MPS Nigel Evans and Greg Pope have launched a campaign against a proposed bed tax' on hotels and bed and breakfasts which they fear will hit tourism in East Lancashire.

The Ribble Valley Tory MP and Hyndburn Labour backbencher have sponsored a Commons motion on the issue.

Mr Evans has also written to the Chancellor Gordon Brown asking him to put to sleep any ideas of introducing a bed tax' on hotel and guest house owners.

The proposal was part of an official inquiry into local government funding by Sir Michael Lyons and is still being considered by ministers.

Ribble Valley MP Mr Evans said: "This tax is ridiculous and could harm millions of small businesses up and down the country. The tax would increase costs and cut our ability to be a competitive attraction to millions of tourists each year. It will worsen the trade deficit, stifle growth and possibly cause hospitality jobs to be lost.

"It has been estimated that a 10 per cent bed tax would add £100 to an average week's holiday for a family of four."

Hyndburn MP Mr Pope said: "This is a silly idea. Tourism is a growing part of the North East Lancashire economy. Any such tax would hit hotels and guest houses in the area and damage this key industry for future growth and employment.

"We should be encouraging people to come and enjoy the beautiful and too often undiscovered countryside of East Lancashire and not imposing a new tax that might put them off."