IT is a sad indictment on this Government that it takes the combined effects of BSE, foot and mouth disease and the terrible tragedy in the USA to elicit support (albeit a knee-jerk reaction) for UK tourism, and for it to realise what a drastic impact the downturn in visitors to the UK will have on the economy (Evening Press, October 2).

What the industry deserves, as the second biggest contributor to gross domestic product and almost the largest employer, is sustained funding and, equally importantly, its own Government department. Then, and only then, will 'Tourism UK Ltd' regain its rightful position, and reap the benefits as one of the world's leading tourist destinations.

David Brooks,

General manager,

Dean Court Hotel,

Duncombe Place,

York.

...WE hear so much hype about the demise of the tourist trade due to foot and mouth disease, terrorism and recession, but even taking that into account, York is still not able to provide decent public services, particularly with taxis.

On September 27, like lots of others, I had to wait over 40 minutes for a cab at 8.30 in the morning. This made me very late for a business meeting.

I am only a humble businessman, not a tourist whom the city should be trying to impress, which leads me to the conclusion that you need to put your own house in order before moaning about anything else.

MS Mycroft,

Michael Harriman-Mycroft &

Company,

Yorkersgate,

Malton.

Updated: 10:48 Friday, October 05, 2001