§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport about improving(a) rail and (b) road links to the North West to allow quicker access for tourists. [158616]
§ Mr. CabornThe Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) works with the Department for Transport to ensure that tourism priorities are given due consideration in transport policy.
On 1 April 2003, the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) took on strategic responsibility for tourism in the North West region. DCMS has issued guidance to all the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) on how tourism should be incorporated in their Corporate Plans and Regional Economic Strategies; this includes the importance of linking regional tourism strategies with regional transport strategies.
I understand that the three northern RDAs have commissioned a 20-year transport vision for the North of England, due to be launched in April 2004. It will recommend a number of strategic transport projects that will seek to improve the economic performance of the North, including tourism in the North West.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people travelled by(a) road and (b) rail to holiday in (i) the North West and (ii) Lancashire in 2003. [158617]
§ Mr. CabornI understand from the North West Tourist Board that statistics on tourism performance for 2003 will not be available until the middle of the year. I will write to my hon. Friend again once the figures have been received.