§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is her Department's definition of a hotel; what representations she has received(a) for the use of the word to be brought within the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and (b) for all hotels to be registered with the local authority; and if she will make a statement. [1266]
§ Mr. SproatThere is no accepted definition of the term "hotel". In our publication "Hotels: The Consumer View" published on 14 November 1995, we used the term in its generic sense to cover all accommodation which has full or limited service, including bed and breakfast accommodation, guest houses and inns.
There have been no representations for the use of the word to be brought into the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
Opinion within the industry is divided on whether compulsory registration is the appropriate way to ensure that hotels meet a minimum standard. I believe that this is better done by means of an effective, consumer led, voluntary scheme and I have asked the English tourist board for proposals to strengthen the crown accommodation classification and grading scheme.