§ 30. Sir D. Robertsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the tourist trade to the Highlands is being restricted for lack of sleeping berths on trains; and, in view of the importance of the trade to the national economy, what representations he will make to the British Transport Commission on this matter.
§ Mr. MackesonI propose to ask the British Travel and Holidays Association to consider, in conjunction with the Scottish Tourist Board, the extent to which present availability of sleeping berths on trains to the Highlands is restricting tourist traffic. The Association will then be able to make any necessary representations to the British Transport Commission. The Commission has a representative on the Board of the Association.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWill the hon. Gentleman make representations himself? He has only to go to the travel office in the Palace of Westminster to find proof of the statement in the Question. There are long, weary lists for all trains to the Highlands of people who want to travel and who can travel. Does he not agree that eight years after the end of the war it is wrong that there should be this shortage of essential equipment?
§ Mr. MackesonNo Minister is responsible for that at the moment. I am responsible for doing what I can to help the tourist industry, and I will do so, but I might tell my hon. Friend that, having done so, I think it is about time that we had a little bit of North-South travel for a change.