§ 24. Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that each region of the UK benefits from the tourism industry. [66783]
§ Janet AndersonThe new strategy for tourism which we shall publish on 26 February 1999 will help create the right framework in which tourism can flourish. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have their own strategies, reflecting differing regional priorities.
Within England, as I announced on 14 December 1998, Official Report, column 352, following our Comprehensive Spending Review, there will be a transformed national tourism body and more resources will be used for support of tourism in the regions. The Regional Tourist Boards, working with their commercial members, local authorities and the Regional Development Agencies will together deliver the economic, environmental and social benefits well-managed and appropriately delivered tourism can bring to each region.