HC Deb 06 March 1956 vol 549 cc1917-8
43. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of overseas visitors to Scotland last summer; and the principal countries from which they came.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am informed by the Scottish Tourist Board that from June to September, 1955, both months included, about 212,000 people from overseas visited Scotland. About 79,000 came from European countries; 75,000 from the United States; 14,000 from Canada and 37,000 from the Commonwealth.

Mr. Rankin

Should we not congratulate the Scottish Tourist Board on these very good figures? This total of 212,000 going to Scotland is a very high proportion of the 760,000 who came to Great Britain in the same period.

Mr. Stuart

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. The Scottish Tourist Board made great efforts, and I am very glad that they have been successful.