Member

I turn briefly to the issue of the tourist levy, which has been the subject of a point of order. It is a serious question for this House, as we are seeking to rely on the information that we are presented with on matters that are relevant to the Bill. It had been raised in debate on the Bill on the Floor of the House yesterday, and we were told by both the Secretary of State and the Minister that they could not answer questions on it—they could not tell this House what the Government’s policy is, because it had to be left for the Chancellor. We then discover a whole set of Labour mayors who appear to have been briefed in advance that the policy was to be announced, and who then go on the record saying what a wonderful idea it is.