HC Deb 12 July 1993 vol 228 c355W
24. Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what response he has made to the proposal by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities for a tourism tax on hotels.

Mr. Sproat

I am aware of the document produced by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities, although I have not been approached for a response. I shall monitor developments with interest, although local taxation is primarily a matter for the Department of the Environment.

I am glad to see that the paper acknowledges the difficulties inherent in introducing a tourism tax. Many sectors of the tourism industry are opposed to the idea, and the impact of such a tax on tourism earnings would have to be very carefully considered.