§ 16. Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the British Tourist Authority on the effects of foot and mouth disease on the Scottish tourist industry. [2656]
§ Mr. FoulkesI met senior representatives of the British Tourist Authority some weeks ago to discuss a range of issues on how best to promote tourism to Scotland. I am satisfied that Scotland will benefit both from the support from the Scottish Executive and the extra £14.2 million funding announced by the DCMS to help overseas recovery action.
§ 18. John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the British Tourist Authority in encouraging overseas tourists to visit Scotland. [2658]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe STB and the BTA have been working together successfully for many years to promote Scotland and the whole of the UK as an attractive tourist destination. They are continuing to work towards achieving the maximum benefit for Scotland from the work which they are doing around the world.
I am convinced that there is an advantage for Scotland to be sold along with the rest of the UK. This is particularly true from long haul markets where a visit to Scotland will almost certainly be part of a tour of Britain, where Scotland could easily be left out if it is not clearly visible among the other choices.
§ 19. Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she next plans to meet the British Tourist Authority to discuss the attractions which Scotland offers in culture, historical sites and industrial archaeology. [2659]
§ Mr. FoulkesI am in regular contact with both the BTA and visitscotland to discuss a range of issues in promoting Scottish tourism. I am confident that work is being undertaken to ensure that Scotland achieves the maximum benefit from the work which both organisations are doing around the world.
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