§ 36. Mr. Marloweasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the abolition of the basic petrol ration Is likely to drive dollar-earning tourist traffic to countries where petrol is unrationed; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard this valuable industry.
§ Mr. H. WilsonNo, Sir. There is no evidence that the abolition of the basic petrol ration will affect the number of tourists visiting this country. Overseas visitors bringing their cars with them or buying a new car for subsequent export get a special ration.
§ Mr. MarloweIs it not a fact that this is a very small ration, and does not the 1322 Minister think that Americans coming to Europe will be more inclined to go to the Continent where petrol is freely available and will, therefore, be driven away from this country?
§ Mr. WilsonThe ration available for tourists in this country compares not un-favourably with the ration available in other countries, and there is no evidence that they are being driven away from these shores. The bookings to come into this country are pretty full for the corning summer.
§ Mr. DraysonIs the Minister aware that a number of hotels where foreign tourists may wish to stay will have to close owing to the withdrawal of the basic petrol ration, and many of them may have to go out of business?
§ Mr. WilsonThat question has been raised on a number of occasions.