HC Deb 13 July 1999 vol 335 cc122-3W
Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with European Commission officials regarding Objective 2 status for seaside resorts. [90601]

Janet Anderson

My Department has made a strong case for seaside resorts to be considered a priority when the UK Government make proposals to the Commission for the revised Structural Funds map. The Government have been involved in many discussions with the Commission throughout the negotiation of the reform of the Structural Funds. For Objective 2, all areas will be considered equally for inclusion on the basis of need.

UK lobbying led to the inclusion of a reference in the new Structural Fund Regulation at preamble 6, which mentions the development of tourism and the creation of sustainable employment. It underlines the Government's commitment to target all areas of need.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions about hostels in seaside resorts. [90602]

Janet Anderson

My officials have regular discussions with the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and are involved in the public consultation exercise on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). I am well aware of widespread concern that the existence of hostels in a number of popular tourist destinations can cause serious problems. The Government remain firmly committed to introducing a national licensing system for HMOs when the legislative timetable allows. With DETR, we are currently studying the responses to the consultation exercise which ended recently.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department regarding the impact on seaside resorts of the placement of asylum seekers. [90603]

Janet Anderson

I have been corresponding with the Home Office about the placement of asylum seekers in our seaside resorts. I have emphasised the importance of very careful consideration being given to the long-term interests of both asylum seekers and host communities before any decision is taken to place asylum seekers in our resorts.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions regarding transport arrangements to the seaside resort areas of(a) Great Yarmouth, (b) Brighton and Hove, (c) Bournemouth, (d) Torbay,(e) Thanet and (f) Blackpool. [90600]

Janet Anderson

I have had no discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions regarding transport arrangements to the seaside resorts mentioned, nor have any representations from those resorts been made to me. However, as set out in our tourism strategy document "Tomorrow's Tourism", we are in close contact with DETR in taking forward action set out in the White Paper on Integrated Transport Policy for the UK.