§ Lord Inglewoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they believe that tourism organisations should advise the tourism industry of the limitations of existing insurance cover and, together with the regional development agencies, make representations to the insurance industry for the development of policies that would provide cover in the circumstances that occurred in counties seriously affected by foot and mouth disease in 2001. [HL73]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)It is a matter for tourism trade organisations to decide on which issues they should advise their members. For instance, the British Hospitality Association (BHA) decided to advise its members in March 2001, following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, that business interruption policies do not usually cover losses incurred following an outbreak, unless the business's access is closed. If the tourism industry does not consider that suitable insurance cover exists for risks such as those arising from an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, then it can make representations to the insurance industry. As sponsors of the tourism and hospitality industry, my department will consider how it can work with the industry on this matter, if we are approached about it.