HC Deb 09 December 1980 vol 995 cc343-4W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that the number of visitors to Northern Ireland is calculated not by the number of people who arrive in the Province by ship, aircraft or train, but by the number who stay in hotels and guest houses.

Mr. Giles Shaw

No. Many visitors do not stay in hotels and guest houses, The method used to calculate the number of visitors to Northern Ireland is the same as that employed in Great Britain and other countries and is based on internationally accepted definitions.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many visitors to' Northern Ireland stayed in hotels and guest houses, respectively, in the Province in each of the past 10 years.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board estimates, on the basis of a sample survey, the number of visitors staying in hotels and guest houses and I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

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