03 Apr
Question
Tourism Outside Cities

Content and Contributions

The debate centered around strategies for boosting tourism in rural areas like villages and countrysides, with the primary question posed by David Davis. He emphasized the significance of the Pocklington chariot burial archaeological site and the efforts by local volunteers to establish a museum at Burnby Hall. This was highlighted as a case study for encouraging more tourism in villages.

Chris Bryant reinforced Davis' points by acknowledging the value of rural tourism and spotlighting the exemplary work being done in Pocklington. He highlighted the historical richness and potential untapped by rural sites compared to cities. Both speakers engaged in a more conversational style debate, using humor to underline the non-contentious nature of the discussion.

80

types of wild water lilies at Burnby Hall.

Significant Contributions

  • David Davis: Focused on the archaeological and volunteer efforts in Pocklington, advocating for governmental support to capitalize on these initiatives.
  • Chris Bryant: Agreed with the importance of rural tourism, lauding the volunteer efforts and the uniqueness of sites like Burnby Hall.
1

most important iron age archaeological site in Britain according to Professor Alice Roberts.

Specific Issues

The key issue was how governmental policy could better support tourism initiatives outside major cities, leveraging heritage sites and volunteer work.

Quality of Answers and Follow-up

The session was more of an informational exchange without hard scrutiny or pushback. Follow-up questions were primarily supportive, with both speakers sharing appreciation for local cultural heritage efforts.

Outcome

The session did not result in any immediate policy changes or announcements. However, it underscored the importance of rural tourism and the potential benefits of supporting smaller communities in enhancing their cultural attractions.

Key Contributions

David DavisSpeaker
Conservative

Highlighted the Pocklington chariot burial as a prime rural archaeological site.

Chris BryantSpeaker
Unknown

Supported the notion that rural areas are crucial to the visitor economy.

Original Transcript
David Davis
Goole and Pocklington
Con
Question
UIN: 903602

8. What steps she is taking to help increase tourism outside cities.

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism
Chris Bryant
09:55

Not only are we an island economy, but I would argue that our towns and villages are just as important for our visitor economy as our great cities. I recently spent a pleasant weekend in Chipping Campden, and many international visitors were wandering up and down Broadway. The right hon.

Gentleman has some extraordinarily beautiful villages in his constituency, which I expect he is about to tell us about.

David Davis

Since we are swapping villages, I was in Pocklington last week, at the site of what Professor Alice Roberts described as the most important iron age archaeological site in Britain: the Pocklington chariot burial. It is a magnificent thing, and the centre of a huge area of iron age archaeology.

I was there to meet dedicated local volunteers who are creating a new museum at Burnby Hall based on that archaeology, which will bring tourists into the countryside. What can the Government do to help people like that develop ideas such as this?

Chris Bryant
09:56

Not every village in Britain suffers the problems of Midsomer, but I know of the work that people are trying to do in Pocklington. The right hon.

Gentleman refers to Professor Alice Roberts and her wonderful work in this area, and everything I have seen about the hoard in Pocklington is absolutely amazing. I slightly expected that the right hon.

David Davis
09:56

Or the armour.

Chris Bryant

Or some of the armour, because there was a time when it was fine for a man to wear a brooch; perhaps that time will come again. I pay tribute to Burnby Hall gardens and museum, and it would be amazing if we were able to get it back into full use.

The gardens are amazing—apparently there are 80 different kinds of wild water lily—but it would be good if we could get the whole museum going, and I pay tribute to the volunteers who are trying to make that happen.

All content derived from official parliamentary records