31. Miss LEEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there is a strong desire among young persons on walking tours in Scotland for a chain of hostels throughout the country where they can obtain shelter overnight for a maximum charge of 1s. and if he is prepared to grant financial and other assistance for the furtherance of this project?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)My right hon. Friend is aware that there is a growing movement in favour of the provision of facilities of the nature indicated in the question and he is in full sympathy with such provision being made subject to satisfactory regulations. There are no funds at my right hon. Friend's disposal for the provision of 976 rest houses, and pending consideration by the Government of the recent report of the National Park Committee which contains certain proposals bearing on the matter he cannot make any statement on the question of financial assistance, but he will be glad to render any assistance in his power in other directions.
Miss LEEWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for his very sympathetic and helpful reply, may I also ask him if he is aware that Germany, defeated and bankrupt after the War, gave money for this purpose, because it is thought to be so valuable for the health and well-being of the young people?
§ Mr. WESTWOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of the fact stated by the hon. Lady.
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a great number of these hostels are now being established by voluntary efforts?
§ Major COLFOXAre the Government prepared to provide hostel accommodation for nothing for Members of Parliament and other indigent persons?