§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the aims and objectives of the English Tourism Council. [85293]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 24 May 1999]: On 14 December 1998 we announced in "A New Cultural Framework" that we would establish a new streamlined, more strategic body to support tourism in England. "Tomorrow's Tourism", the strategy we published in February gave further information on the role of the new body. On 27 April 1999, Official Report, columns 114–15, I announced to the House that the body would be known as the English Tourism Council (ETC) and provide a further indication of the ETC' s functions. We are working with the English Tourist Board on the detailed remit of the ETC and will be publishing aims and objectives as part of the launch of the ETC, which we expect to take place in July.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to support the development of the English Tourism Council. [85295]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 24 May 1999]: Officials in my Department are working very closely with staff at the English Tourist Board as work on the development of the English Tourism Council continues. As well as advice, we are providing funds of £2.8 million over two years to support the transition.