Action Plan to cut red tape "a benefit to Tourism" claims McInnes

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Mar 2007

Speaking at the Banff & Buchan Tourism Forum meeting yesterday (27 March) Alison McInnes (PSPC Banff & Buchan) claimed that Liberal Democrats' plans to cut red tape would be a benefit to the many businesses involved in the tourism industry. She gave details of Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen's radical 'Action Plan to cut Red Tape for Scottish companies' which would include:

• A reduction in the burden of inspection for companies who meet high standards

• More joint inspections to cut repetitive procedures for companies

• SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) to pioneer a new risk based approach to regulation

• Establishing an industry led body to advise on cutting red tape.

Taking part in a "Question Time" style event organized by the Forum, Alison acknowledged the contribution tourism makes to the North East economy - bringing in over £547m per annum and providing 26,000 jobs. She argued that Liberal Democrat proposals for cutting business rates, tackling red tape, setting up a local business growth fund combined with strong transport and environment policies would all contribute to ensuring a sustainable future for the tourism sector.