§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to convey accurate information to foreign tourists of the impact of foot and mouth disease on human health. [157026]
§ Janet AndersonMy Department is working closely with the British Tourist Authority (BTA) to ensure that the message that foot and mouth disease has no adverse effect on human health and that Britain is open to business is conveyed to overseas visitors. Where concerns have been expressed, BTA's overseas offices have held briefings for the local media and travel trade to provide accurate information and reassurance about travelling to Britain. Information is also available to overseas media and the public through BTA's overseas call and visitor centres.
BTA has been, and is continuing to monitor press and public opinion in all its key priority markets. On 20 March I visited New York to help spread the message that Britain is open for business and dispel all the rumours that had started appearing in the American national press about public safety.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if compensation will be made available to non-rural tourism businesses that have been adversely affected by foot and mouth disease. [157050]
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what compensation will be made available to those in the tourist industry in(a) the Chorley area and (b) Lancashire following the foot and mouth outbreak. [157312]
§ Janet AndersonMy right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment announced on 20 March a package of measures to help those adversely affected by the foot and mouth outbreak. The Government are considering the need for further measures in the light of the latest developments.