'It's the tourist industry now which needs the support', says MEP

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th May 2001

Diana Wallis MEP has said that support must be given to the tourist industry in the Yorkshire Dales as a result of the growing outbreak of Foot & Mouth in the Settle area.

Diana Wallis, Lib Dem Euro MP for Yorkshire & the Humber, said, "I visited Langcliffe on Friday in support of Bernard Bateman, our candidate in Skipton & Ripon. I spoke to farmers, including one whose sheep has been culled days before. I also spoke to those involved in the tourist industry and it is clear that as the summer holidays fast approach the industry is facing crisis. As well as the UK government giving immediate financial and other support I have approached the European Commission for their support too. They expressed their understanding and communicating to the UK their real willingness to assist and I have asked for a maximum amount of flexibility to assist tourism recover from the affects of Foot & Mouth. I would especially like to see money put into advertising and other promotional activities for the future."

"I would also ask why it has taken so long for a Labour party figure to visit the affected area? Is it because there are no votes for Labour in Skipton? If it had happened in Shipley or Scarborough Labour ministers would be falling over themselves by now."