HL Deb 22 July 1971 vol 322 c1115

3.9 p.m.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they would be prepared to encourage the compilation of a register of private families in London, who are willing to accommodate foreign visitors at reasonable charges.]

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, the London Tourist Board already maintains a register of the kind the noble Lord has in mind. I understand that certain private agencies also help people to find accommodation in private families.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, would it be possible for the noble Earl to urge upon the new chairman of the London Tourist Board that some extension ought to be made of the existing lists of private homes that are now available and that a special effort should be made to enable foreign visitors to come into contact with private Engilsh families rather than being herded into hotels?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, as I said, a register has been set up for this purpose. There are also various private agencies which cater for this particular demand, and it would not be up to the Government to urge the chairman of the Tourist Board in this respect, because I am sure that he knows the best way of bringing these matters to the attention of the people concerned.

LORD PARGITER

My Lords, can the noble Lord say to what extent hotels in the various areas have access to lists of private families so that when hotels are full they may do what is very often done on the Continent and supply names of people to whom prospective customers can go?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, if my information is correct, I think the hotels can get these lists upon application to the Tourist Board.