§ 10. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has yet reached a decision on the English Tourist Board's recommendations to him for statutory registration of tourist accommodation, statutory notification of prices and a voluntary system of classification.
§ Mr. ChatawayI have at present nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 5th June.—[Vol. 838, c. 8.]
§ Mr. McCrindleAs we are now at the height of the tourist season, and in view of the general welcome given to the report, particularly in regard to prices notification, will my right hon. Friend undertake, consistent with the need to encourage discussion with the hotel industry, to try to move at such a pace that the benefit of the recommendations of the Tourist Board will be made available to next year's tourists?
§ Mr. ChatawayYes, I will certainly consider this as quickly as I can.
§ Mr. MilneIs the Minister aware that there he has been dragging his feet, and that his Department has been dragging its feet, on this matter for far too long, and that this is a matter of vital importance not only to the tourist industry but to the country in so far as the balance of payments is affected? Will he start doing something now?
§ Mr. ChatawayMy Department has been involved in doing something about it for some time. As I said to my hon. Friend, I am considering the matter as quickly as I can, but, as the hon. Member probably knows, a number of different views are being put to the Department.