Mr. De la Bèreasked the Home Secretary whether the Government will consider introducing legislation to license guides who escort parties of visitors from overseas to places of interest in London and the country, in order to ensure greater efficiency and satisfaction to our overseas guests?
§ Sir S. Hoare:I am not in possession of any information which leads me to think that legislation for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend is required.
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps the Government are taking, in consultation with the British Trade Association, to ensure the improvement in the present standard of guide services for visitors from overseas throughout this country, in order that visitors may be attracted to this country by improved arrangements to ensure their welfare and enjoyment?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson:As regards historic places and ancient monuments under the control of the Office of Works, guides are available to give information to visitors. As regards the Palace of Westminster, permission is given by the Lord Great Chamberlain's Department to approved persons to act as guides. As to other places of interest, I understand that classes have been instituted for guide lecturers and that an association has recently been formed of qualified guides. The Travel and Industrial Development Association, which is naturally interested in the provision of an efficient guide service, as a 2258W corollary to its work of attracting visitors to this country from overseas, is in touch with this association and is collaborating with it.