HC Deb 09 April 2001 vol 366 cc413-4W
Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with(a) the British Tourist Authority and (b) other tourist bodies regarding the impact of foot and mouth disease on the tourist trade. [157027]

Janet Anderson

Close contact is being maintained with the British Tourist Authority on the impact of foot and mouth disease on the tourism trade. In addition, we have been in frequent contact with tourism industry representatives both at formal meetings and through visits around the country; for example, on 5 April 2001 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State hosted a summit meeting of industry representatives to discuss foot and mouth.

Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact of foot and mouth disease on non-rural tourism in Britain. [157030]

Janet Anderson

We are making inquiries of a range of tourism-related bodies to determine the impact of foot and mouth disease on both rural and non-rural tourism businesses. This research is at an early stage but it would seem that while the responses are very variable, it is clear that many businesses have been affected.

Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with official veterinary agencies of foreign Governments on the giving of advice on travel to the United Kingdom. [157029]

Janet Anderson

My Department has not had discussions with any official veterinary agencies of foreign Governments.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, through its posts overseas, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have been in close contact with veterinary authorities, agriculture ministries and other parts of government worldwide to reassure them that, provided individuals observe the standard guidance on travel to the countryside, there is no reason why visitors should not travel to the UK.