Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance she has given to VisitBritain on standards for property which will be made available for booking on the VisitBritain website.

Answer: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance she has given to VisitBritain on standards for property which will be made available for booking on the VisitBritain website. [198979] Mr. Caborn: The EnglandNet tourism information and e-commerce system is being developed by Networks for Tourism, a company owned by VisitBritain and all the Regional Tourist Boards in England. VisitBritain's shareholding was formerly held by the English Tourism Council. Under an agreement between the Council and the Boards on the formation of the company, it is intended that EnglandNet will offer access to the providers of accommodation which has been subject to inspection under a recognised grading scheme. My Department supports that intention, as it will encourage the fullest possible co-ordination of the new marketing opportunities which EnglandNet will provide, with the consumer benefits of grading inspection--particularly in the light of the in-principle agreement to the adoption of common grading standards in England, announced by VisitBritain, the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club in May 2004.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 198979; 426 c1803-4W;426 c1807-8W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bed and breakfast accommodation Internet Hotels Property Marketing Standards VisitBritain
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk