§ Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he proposes to take to ensure the registration of all businesses supplying bed spaces for tourists; and if he will make a statement. [5138]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeThe Government is determined to see improvements in accommodation standards. The AA, RAC and ETB announced in February plans for a new harmonised scheme which for the first time would give a single rating for hotels according to both the quality of their service and the facilities they offer. They will be consulting the industry on the details of this and on a scheme covering non-hotel accommodation such as guest-houses, B and Bs, farmhouses and inns. The introduction of these voluntary measures will be an important first step in raising standards.