§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received during the last 12 months from the catering and tourist industry about the effects of Government measures on the industry; and what action he has taken to assist the industry, in view of the contribution, financial and otherwise, which it has made and is making to the life of the country.
§ Mr. TaverneMy right hon. Friend has received a good many representations, of which a large number were about the effects of Selective Employment Tax on the industry. These were taken into account in the Budget measure to refund the tax to hotels in certain rural parts of development areas, and in not applying the increase in S.E.T. to part-time workers, who form a substantial part of the industry's labour force. We have also approved a scheme which enables the Development Commission to make loans to small hotels etc. in rural parts of the development areas. But in general questions concerning the tourist industry are a matter for the Board of Trade, and I draw the hon. Member's attention to the White Paper on Hotel Development Incentives (Cmnd. 3633) published earlier this year.