HC Deb 14 April 1948 vol 449 c965
41. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he has taken to encourage American tourist ships to visit the islands of the British West Indies.

Mr. McNeil

The West Indian Colonies are aware of the desirability of encouraging tourist traffic from North America. Various hotel projects are under consideration in the colonies. It has been arranged that United States and Canadian citizens may enter for periods up to six months without visas, and in most colonies without either passports or visas. Representations have been made to the United States Government with a view to the repeal of the 15 per cent. transportation tax on rail, steamship and air tickets to the Caribbean area.

Mr. Gammans

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that so few of the American tourist luxury ships out of new York this winter have in fact gone to the British West Indies?