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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 19 October 2006.

Tourism: VisitBritain

Question: My Lords, there are few things that could damage the efforts of VisitBritain more than a bed tax, as proposed by the interim report of the Lyons review. Britain already pays the second highest rate of taxes on its tourism industry. Will the Minister take this opportunity to scotch this idea, which would do great damage to the tourism industry in this country?

Answer: Tempted though I am, my Lords, I am not going to scotch a report that has not yet been published. The so-called ““bed tax”” was contained in an interim report as a possible idea. We are awaiting the report, which will be published in the next few weeks. It will then be timely for the Government to make a considered response.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 685 c867
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Finance Marketing Overseas visitors Tourism VisitBritain
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk