HC Deb 15 July 1948 vol 453 cc1389-91
24. Mr. Vane

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that full publicity is given in U.S.A. to the fact that petrol is not available to tourists visiting this country unless they bring a car with them, or buy a car here and undertake to export it.

Mr. H. Wilson

Yes, Sir. Intending visitors are informed of the conditions on which they will be able to get petrol here through the British Information Services, the British Tourist and Holidays Board, the travel agencies and other channels. Publicity is also given to the special hire-car facilities for tourists which I announced in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kennington (Mr. Gibson) on 23rd March.

Major Tufton Beamish

Can the President of the Board of Trade say whether he is thinking out any other ways in which he can discourage our American friends from spending their holidays in these islands?

Mr. Wilson

Our American friends are spending their holidays and visiting this country to the fullest extent to which travel facilities are available. If greater facilities were available, still greater numbers of American tourists would be visiting this country.

Mr. Grimston

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter because my attention has been drawn to several cases in my own constituency—and there must be others—where Americans have spent their holidays on the Continent because petrol for them to tour in this country cannot be granted to their relatives or friends who are prepared to lend them a car?

Mr. Wilson

As the House well knows the figures for petrol consumption for travel facilities for visitors to this country compare favourably with those of any other country.

Mr. Scollan

Is the Minister aware that this campaign to bring people to Great Britain has completely destroyed the tourist traffic in Scotland because they have to travel by rail from the South of England to Scotland, that there are no facilities when they reach Scotland to enable them to get a car in which to travel around, and that many beauty spots are inaccessible by rail?

Mr. Wilson

No, Sir. My hon. Friend is misinformed, and if he would care to look at the regulations for American tourists he would find that the points he has mentioned are fully looked after.

Mr. Scollan

In view of that reply, may I state that I took the matter up with the Tourist Board who confirm what I have said?

Mr. Vane

While not particularly wishing to aid the tourist trade in Scotland—

Sir William Darling

Why not?

Mr. Vane

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear in mind that this regulation is an extremely annoying one? If he could enable tourists to travel by car it would be very helpful?

Mr. Wilson

I am sure that the hon. Member will realise the possible abuse to which it would be subject if that were recommended.

Major Guy Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the view of Mr. Thomas Johnston, the chairman of the Scottish Tourist Board, on this issue, and is he aware of the opinion about His Majesty's Government, which has been publicly expressed on this matter?

Mr. Wilson

Yes, I have been made aware of all the opinions expressed on this matter.

Mr. Odey

Will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind that there is no conceivable reason for stopping American tourists spending dollars in this country, whether on petrol, or on anything else?

Mr. Drayson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Switzerland and Italy tourists can get as much petrol as they wish? [An HON. MEMBER: "That is not true."] It is quite true. Is the Minister suggesting that there are the same conditions in this country?

Major Beamish

May I press the Minister to look again at this footling and unnecessary regulation? Is he aware that his comparison with other countries in Europe was highly inaccurate?

Hon. Members

Answer.