§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with One North-East about its responsibilities in relation to tourism. [152488]
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Name Jonathan Laidlaw Counsel Gerald Butler QC Counsel Anthony Heaton-Armstrong Former Chairman of Review of Coroners Louise Christian Christian Khan Dr. Roy Palmer HM Coroner, Southern District of Greater London Lindsay Pennell Victim Support
§ Mr. CabornMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have discussed tourism with the Chairs of all the Regional Development Agencies, in the light of their taking over tourism responsibilities from 1 April 2003, and I met Tim Cantle-Jones, the ONE Board member with specific responsibility for tourism on 13 January 2004 to discuss progress on tourism reform in the North East. Also, officials from the Department and from the Government Office for the North East have been in regular contact with ONE as it has taken on strategic responsibility for tourism in the region, and have also had discussions with the Northumbria Tourist Board. I have asked ONE and the other RDAs to work with their tourist boards and the industry to decide upon the best support structure for the tourism industry in their particular region. I understand that ONE is working towards the introduction of a new structure for the delivery of tourism in the North East. DCMS officials continue to work with the RDAs to help ensure a planned and smooth transition to any new arrangements.