§ 23. Mr. BoothTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to encourage more people to visit important heritage sites. [12240]
§ Mr. SproatMy Department, principally through the Historic Royal Palaces agency and English Heritage, is continually striving to develop its historic properties to make them more attractive and accessible to visitors. The Historic Royal Palaces agency has recently completed a programme of major improvements at its properties, and an additional £15 million will be spent on further works over the next two years. English Heritage is undertaking a range of initiatives at its most visited sites, such as new exhibitions, audio tours, and an increasing use of foreign language tours—all designed to encourage both domestic and overseas visitors.