§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture. Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the impact on tourism in Lancashire of the foot and mouth outbreak. [157311]
§ Janet AndersonWe are making inquiries of a range of tourism-related bodies to determine the impact of foot and mouth disease on tourism businesses. This research is at an early stage and therefore no figures are yet available. The English Tourism Council and the Regional Tourist Boards are also implementing research to assess the impacts at local level. However, the North West Tourist Board estimates that the potential impact on tourism income in the north-west is around £6 million and is threatening around 200 jobs per week. No figures relating specifically to Lancashire are available.