§ Mr. McNultyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to introduce a statutory register of accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [24944]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe new, harmonised accommodation rating schemes, which are being introduced in 1998 for full implementation by 2000 by the English Tourist Board, the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club, represent a big step forward.
We intend to assess the impact of these voluntary measures before deciding whether statutory registration is also needed. We shall do so on the basis of consultation with the Tourism Forum. The strategy for tourism, which I am currently developing in consultation with the Forum, will specifically consider how to raise and maintain quality in all aspects of tourism, including accommodation.