A sham exercise

The controversial plans to impose additional taxes on holiday home owners clearly falls into the latter category judging by the refusal of Ministers to disclose the results of the PR exercise that preceded this policy.

If the Treasury has nothing to hide, why is it so afraid to publish the relevant documents?

It can only be assumed, therefore, that this is a policy being driven by Labour's dislike of the countryside rather than an appreciation about the importance of holiday homes – and quality accommodation – to the wider rural economy.

For, given the scale of opposition to the Government' plans from tourism leaders, people have every right to be curious about who the Treasury consulted – and whether this consultation was skewed to deliver the conclusions that Ministers wanted.

Only full transparency, on the part of the Treasury, will suffice – if only so Ministers can be persuaded to think again before thousands of jobs are lost unnecessarily.