Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2006.

Tourism: Northern Ireland

Question: Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 17 May (WA 55–6) concerning the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, what is the board’s policy towards the use of the word ““Derry””; and why it was used in the Answer.

Answer: The practice of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITS) reflects customer needs inside and outside Northern Ireland and considerations under equality legislation. In correspondence, NITS responses mirror the form used by the person corresponding with it. It is also important that the name used is understandable to the widest range of potential visitors in as clear and simple a way as possible. As visitors may be familiar with either the name ““Londonderry”” or ““Derry”” NITS publications and website contain both names so that people searching for either Derry or Londonderry will be able to access the same information. In relation to the specific use of ““Derry”” in the Written Answer provided to the noble Lord on 17 May 2006 (WA 55–6): White Horse Spa and Leisure Centre, Derry: the name Derry reflects the usage recorded on the company’s own stationery. The Walled City of Derry—Armada Exhibition, Tower Museum: this is the branded name of the Walled City of Derry Signature Project. Foyle Marine Tourism (Derry City Council): this is the official name of the city council.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5937; 682 c198-9WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Tourism: Northern Ireland
Wednesday, 17 May 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Terminology Londonderry Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk