HC Deb 21 April 1953 vol 514 cc810-1
46. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is being done with a view to helping the tourist trade in Scotland by encouraging Scottish tourist agencies.

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. H. R. Mackeson)

Both the British Travel and Holidays Association and the Scottish Tourist Board, within their respective spheres, are concerned to encourage the tourist trade in Scotland, and are always ready to help and cooperate with other organisations with the same object in mind. I am sure both the British Travel and Holidays Association and the Scottish Tourist Board will consider most carefully any suggestions which my noble Friend may care to convey to them.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Is my hon. Friend aware that there exists in Scotland a feeling that there is considerable discrimination in favour of London firms? For example, the firm of Mackay Bros, in Edinburgh, who have a branch office in Newcastle, are denied the sale of tickets on British Railways by the Railway Executive. Is not this a discouragement to Scottish tourist firms?

Mr. Mackeson

I was not aware of the facts mentioned by my noble Friend. Perhaps he will let me have details.