§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the tourism charter issued by the North West tourist board; and if she will make a statement. [21181]
§ Mr. SproatI have seen the North West tourist board's charter for tourism. Tourism makes an invaluable contribution to the economy in the region covered by the board. Some 10.8 million visitors. including 1.2 million from overseas, came to the region in 1995, spending over £1.4 billion. The tourism industry in the region will benefit from the action plan set out in the tourism strategy "Success through Partnership" which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched on 5 February.
The English Tourist Board will help to take forward this plan through its Agenda 2000 consultation. I am sure that the North West tourist board will play a full part in the regional discussions that are being organised by the ETB, and in particular the roadshow for the north-west which is due to take place on 26 March. I have no doubt that the tourism charter will form a sound basis on which discussions can take place.
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