“To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent estimate the Church has made of the contribution of its cathedrals to local economies.”
Asked by
John Glen
Answering Minister
the Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners
Answer from Hansard
The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Marsha De Cordova)
The right hon. Member is a true champion of cathedrals, and particularly the one in his constituency. It was a pleasure to meet him to explore issues that he has raised. Research by the Association of English Cathedrals has shown that cathedrals’ 9.5 million visitors contributed around £235 million in additional expenditure to cathedrals and local businesses. I understand that Salisbury cathedral, in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency, featured in nearly nine in 10 visits by tourists to Salisbury.