§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of foot and mouth disease on the foreign language school industry in Devon; and if she will make a statement. [4]
§ Mr. MichaelI have been asked to reply.
Various assessments have been made by organisations in the south-west of the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak on businesses, including in Devon, although it might not be possible from these to identify specifically the impact on the foreign language school industry. 45W Government recognise that foot and mouth has had an impact on a wide range of businesses and have put in place a package of measures to help recovery. Advice on the assistance is available through Business Link on telephone number 0845 600 9006. The Government have also allocated to the British Tourist Authority (BTA) an extra £14.2 million to help promote Britain abroad as an attractive tourist destination. The BTA's recovery plan includes targeted activity to encourage overseas students to continue to learn English here.