7. Mr. ThomasCox asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the effect on tourism to Great Britain of the high value of the £ sterling.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimA number of factors, including the strength of sterling, affect tourism to Great Britain, but it is not possible to isolate the effects of any one. Despite the strong pound and a world-wide recession, some 11¾ million overseas visitors came here during the first 11 months of 1980—virtually the same number as in the same period in 1979. This success is due in no small measure to the resilience and the determined efforts of our tourist industry, supported by the tourist boards, and of the British Tourist Authority in promoting Britain overseas as a prime tourist centre. I believe they are all to be warmly congratulated on the very important contribution they make to the economy in this country.