§ 4. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what revenue accrued to the Scottish Travel Association during 1934 on account of the Government contributions to the Travel Association of Great Britain; what is the revenue accruing from local authorities in Scotland; whether he is satisfied that the total value is sufficient to publicise adequately abroad the advantages of tourist travel in Scotland; and whether he will consider calling a conference of the various interests concerned at an early date to consider how this problem may be better dealt with?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIn 1934 the Scottish Travel Association received a Government contribution of £550. In that year the total income from subscriptions was £1,096 4s. 6d. Subscriptions by local authorities are not shown separately in the association's accounts, but I understand that their total amount was approximately £330. As regards the third part of the question, publicity abroad is undertaken by the Travel and Industrial Development Association of Great Britain and Ireland, and in 1934 the Scottish association contributed £300 towards expenditure for that purpose. As regards the last part of the question, I do not consider that a general conference would be appropriate but if the Scottish association so desire I shall be glad to arrange a meeting with their representatives.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the funds at the disposal of the association are sufficient to make the general public outside Scotland aware of the amenities of Scotland?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, Sir; nothing in my answer would entitle anyone to think that I am satisfied with the total sum at the present time.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs my right hon. Friend aware, for instance, that during the Easter Recess the best weather enjoyed in the United Kingdom was enjoyed in Scotland, and will he endeavour to make that fact known?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that the best advertisement for tourists is "good cooking, good beds, and good attention"; that in the summer months all the holiday resorts of Scotland are already filled up; and that what we need is more accommodation for the people who come to Scotland?
§ 5. Mr. GUYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the contributions of local authorities to the Scottish Travel Association for the year 1934–35 only amounted to £334; and whether, in view of the fact that they are entitled to contribute up to a halfpenny on the rates to further the interests of Scotland as a tourist centre, he will take steps to increase the present contributions?
§ Sir G. COLLINSLocal authorities subscriptions are not shown separately in the accounts of the Scottish Travel Asso- 787 ciation, but I understand that the amount stated in the question is approximately correct. Town councils have statutory powers to contribute to the association, and while I cannot compel them to do so, I trust that they will recognise the valuable work of the association by making substantial contributions.