§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if he will give the likely date of conclusion for his review of regulations relevant to tourism, as referred to in the Department of Trade and Industry's deregulation document as published with the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill; if he will also provide a cost-benefit estimate of the review, with a separate section for each item of legislation he has examined; and what consultations he or officials have held in the course of the review;
(2) if he will give the intended start date, finish date and cost-benefit estimate of his Department's review of the Tourism (Sleeping Accommodation Price) Order 1977 as outlined in the Department of Trade and Industry document on deregulation, published with the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill;
(3) if he will give the intended start date, finish date and a cost-benefit estimate for his Department's review of the Hotel Proprietors Act 1956, as outlined in the Department of Trade and Industry document on deregulation published with the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill.
§ Mr. SproatMy Department's inquiry into regulations affecting tourism is designed to complement the 517W Government's wider deregulation initiative by examining in detail the burdens on tourism-related businesses. This separate examination is warranted because of the highly important contribution which the tourism and hospitality industry makes to the economy and to employment, and will continue as long as regulatory burdens remain a matter of concern to the industry. I announced the preliminary findings of my inquiry to the House on 27 July, 1993, Official Report, columns 768–71, and a progress report will be issued in due course. The review has been conducted, at no additional cost, as part of the normal day-to-day work of my Department. During the course of the inquiry I have spoken to many individuals and organisations, both local and national, within the industry. I have received written representations from a great many more. My Department does not have primary responsibility for the regulations indentified during the inquiry, with the exception of the Hotel Proprietors Act 1956 and the Tourism (Sleeping Accommodation Price Display) Order 1977. These are currently being examined by officials. We intend to begin a public consultation exercise shortly and to complete it as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will give a likely start date, finish date and his cost-benefit estimate for his Department's review into the scope for consolidating or simplifying the legislation on sports ground safety as outlined in the Department of Trade and Industry document on deregulation published with the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill.
§ Mr. SproatAn informal consultation exercise in line with deregulation guidance will commence as soon as is practicable. I hope to consider the responses during the summer.