To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the compliance with European Commission state aid rules of his Department's policy on the participation in marketing initiatives promoted by (a) Visit England and (b) Visit Britain by operators of holiday homes who do not participate in the National Quality Assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement. (316863)

My Department has been involved in discussions with the European Commission in relation to the specific matters raised by the hon. Member. These discussions have not been concluded and it would be inappropriate to comment on them at this time.

The Department’s objective is to ensure that the activities of VisitBritain and VisitEngland are compatible with the rules relating to state aid.