Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Damian Hinds Excerpts
Thursday 3rd July 2014

(10 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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We work very closely with the Welsh Government on these issues. There is a lot to be gained from cross-co-operation, and a number of initiatives are in place.

Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con)
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8. Inbound tourism is as strategic a sector for this country as advanced manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, and the Tourism Council presents an opportunity for it to punch its weight. Will my right hon. Friend set his sights high in terms of productivity, skills development, and co-operative working on distribution channels in marketing this country to the world?

Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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I absolutely agree. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know, as will other hon. Members, that last year inbound tourism hit a new record high of 33 million visitors spending a record amount of £21 billion in the UK. He rightly points out the importance of improving skills, and we are working with the Tourism Council on that.