§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much tourists spent in the north-east of England in the years 1984–85 and 1985–86.
§ Mr. LeeI understand from the English Tourist Board that it estimates spending by tourists in the Northumbria tourist board area was: £205 million in 1984;£209 million in 1985; and £210 million in 1986.
§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he is taking to promote the tourist industry in the north-east of England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeI read with interest the annual progress report of the North East Tourism Co-ordination Group which was published in December. 1 have arranged for a copy to be placed in the library. Indeed I met the co-ordination group in late November and discussed its current initiatives and plans. The group, which is chaired by my Department's regional director, has reviewed the progress of the industry in the region and has identified action points for the further development of tourism. I am examining these points to see what further help Government can give to the development of the tourism industry in the north-east. Considerable efforts are already being made by the British Tourist Authority, the English and the Northumbria tourist boards to promote the northeast as a tourist destination.