§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if all owners of hotels and guest houses are required to register their accommodation; under what legislation the arrangement was made; who, locally, compiles the register and maintains it; what checks are made on its accuracy; and if the system is considered to be working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. ConcannonAll proprietors of hotels and guest houses in Northern Ireland are required to register their accommodation with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
The requirement to register such accommodation and the arrangements related thereto are contained in Part II of the Development of Tourist Traffic Act (Northern Ireland) 1948. The Board's staff undertake annual inspections of all registered accommodation to ensure that adequate standards are being maintained. They also carry out checks throughout 345W the Province to ensure that all premises described as hotels and guest houses are registered. Failure to register premises with the Board renders the proprietor liable to a fine, under the Act.
346WThe system has been in operation since 1948 and is considered to be working satisfactorily, its primary purpose being to set and maintain standards of accommodation available to the public.