HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 cc1806-7
17. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that signs are being erected on the trunk roads at Gretna Green and Berwick-on-Tweed bearing on the front "Welcome to Scotland", and on the reverse side "Haste ye back to Scotland", and whether he proposes to erect similar signs at Coldstream and Carter Bar.

Mr. J. Stuart

Yes, Sir. These signs, and a similar sign at Prestwick Airport, were put up by the Scottish Tourist Board, which informs me that it does not propose to erect any more at present.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the caption on the reverse side of this sign—" Haste ye back to Scotland"—is well chosen? Would it not be better to have on the reverse side, "Welcome to England", because we do not want to be selfish to the English?

Mr. Stuart

The notices were erected by the Scottish Tourist Board, and I suppose it was concerned more with Scotland.

Mr. T. Fraser

Is the Secretary of State aware that until very recently when one crossed the border going south the notice said "This is England", but that when one crossed the border going north the notice read "Beware of the sheep?"

Major Anstruther-Gray

Is it not high time that we in Scotland followed that good example?

Mr. Ross

Can the Minister tell us whether it was the Scottish Tourist Board which erected outside the Royal Burgh of Ayr a board stating "Home of the Royal Scots Fusiliers" rather than "Home of Robert Burns"?

Mr. Stuart

I am afraid that I should require notice of that Question.