§ Geraldine SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what business opportunities are available for(a)clowns, (b)tightrope walkers, (c)stilt performers, (d)unicyclists and (e)other circus performers in the north-west; and if she will make a statement. [177134]
§ Jacqui SmithNo separate assessment has been made of the business opportunities available in the north-west for the named groups.
§ Geraldine SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her assessment is of the contribution to the north-west economy that circuses make. [177135]
§ Jacqui SmithThe North West Development Agency, working in partnership with stakeholders in the region, has the lead responsibility for developing and taking forward the economic development strategy for the north-west.
Tourism is one of the priority sectors but no specific assessment has been made of the contribution circuses make to the north-west economy and there are no plans to do so.