§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the approximate current and forecast annual loss which may be sustained by the British tourist industry as a result of foot and mouth disease if (a) the present culling programme is maintained; and (b) widespread vaccination is introduced. [HL1782]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyOur best estimate on the basis of the information so far obtained is that losses of revenue by the English tourism industry will be around £140 million per week averaged over the eight month tourist season. The eventual total economic impact of foot and mouth will obviously be dependent on the final extent and spread of the disease, its duration, and the effectiveness of the measures we are taking to encourage tourism to Britain in general and to the countryside in particular. I am not, therefore, able to answer precisely in the form of the question. However, the Government's priority, which is shared by the tourism industry, is to eradicate the disease as quickly and effectively as possible.