HC Deb 05 March 1973 vol 852 cc18-9
20. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek powers to set up an agency to which visitors to Great Britain may complain on matters of alleged malpractice by hoteliers, restaurateurs, etc.

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir. There are existing bodies such as the British Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers Association, the British Tourist Authority and the national and regional tourist boards to which a visitor can turn if he fails to get satisfaction from the management of the establishment concerned.

Mr. McCrindle

While I recognise that the vast majority of hoteliers, taxi drivers and the like are perfectly honest, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he would not agree that disproportionate harm is done to the tourist trade by the minority who tend to cheat? Does he not feel, if as he says there are these agencies to which an aggrieved tourist can complain, that the erection of notices to that effect at the main railway and air terminals might be of some benefit?

Mr. Chataway

I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Sir G. de Freitas

Is it not a fact that there are very few complaints that would not be met by the registration of hotels and the publication of the cost of accommodation in those hotels?

Mr. Chataway

Registration is a somewhat different point. I do not think that of itself it would cover what my hon. Friend has in mind. We will be reaching a decision about registration as soon as possible.

Mr. Adley

In view of the importance of our overseas earnings from tourism, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is about time that some of the nettles of registration were grasped by the Government so as to give the tourist public, particularly tourists from overseas, the feeling that we take the industry and their interests seriously?

Mr. Chataway

The fact that we take the industry seriously emphasises the need for thorough consultation before we embark upon a registration exercise such as is proposed.

Mr. Milne

Is the Minister aware that he is showing too much complacency on this matter and that the country needs a much more stringent code of conduct imposed upon hotels and restaurants? Is not this the responsibility of his Department?

Mr. Chataway

If I am provided with detailed information about any serious complaint I will certainly take it up with the relevant bodies.

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