§ 20. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that during the third week in June temperatures in Scotland on many occasions reached a higher level than in England; and whether, with a view to drawing the attention of the British public and foreign visitors to the attractions of Scotland as a holiday resort, he will consider making a small additional annual grant to the Travel Association of Great Britain and Ireland, in respect of Scotland in particular, on condition that the association shall devote a larger part of its activities to giving publicity to the amenities of Scotland than at present?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI believe that the weather in Scotland during the period referred to compared favourably with that in other parts of the British Isles. The grant to the Travel and Industrial Development Association of Great Britain and Ireland cannot be used for attracting visitors from one part of the British Isles to another, but is allotted for the purpose of attracting overseas visitors to the British Isles. The Association advertises the attractions of Scotland in. its overseas propaganda. On grounds of economy I regret that a larger grant cannot at present be considered.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a totally erroneous and unfounded impression abroad, as well as in England, that the weather in Scotland is uniformally inferior to that in England, and will he take every step to scotch that impression—to kill that impression—and by giving this extra grant for which I am asking will he ensure that Scotland is given a fair share of attention in the description of the general amenities of the British Isles?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI hope I can rely on the help of all Scottish Members in removing the impression to which the hon. and gallant Member has referred.
§ Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEIs the hon. Gentleman also aware of the bracing qualities of the North-East Coast, and especially Newcastle?