HC Deb 11 July 1950 vol 477 cc1148-9
58. Mr. Joynson-Hicks

asked the President of the Board of Trade what relief of Purchase Tax he is considering granting to the hotel and catering industries, or any part of them; and if he will make a statement.

74. Mr. George

Thomas asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the subsidy available for hotel proprietors entertaining American and Canadian visitors is to be extended to boardinghouse keepers.

Mr. Bottomley

In the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 6th July last, he described the arrangements which the Government are making during the current financial year to assist the equipment or re-equipment of hotels which accommodate American and Canadian visitors. We cannot at present estimate the cost of these arrangements, which will clearly depend on the amount of re-equipment which hotel keepers decide to undertake this year. It is not our intention to exclude any boardinghouses which may be able to satisfy the criterion of accommodating a sufficiently high proportion of American and Canadian guests.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Arising out of that reply, as the whole of these arrangements appear to depend on the advisory committee, will the hon. Gentleman say what is the constitution of the advisory committee, what are its terms of reference and what are its powers.

Mr. Bottomley

I am not in a position to give that information yet.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister regarding this dole to the hotel industry as a permanent gift as long as dollars are brought in, or is he expecting anything else in return for this shovelling out of public money?

Mr. Bottomley

This is an arrangement for one year and we hope to obtain from it results beneficial to the country.

Mr. William Teeling

Is the hon. Gentleman really satisfied that this will be of any use for the 1951 Festival? It is too late already.

Mr. Bottomley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Does the hon. Gentleman know the extent of the doubt which this announcement has caused in the minds of the people in the hotel industry, and can he say when he will be able to announce the formation of the advisory committee?

Mr. Bottomley

That is not the information which I have. The hotel industry generally has given a welcome to the scheme.