§ 29. Mr. Gowerasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the approximate number of tourists and visitors from overseas who came to Wales last year; how this number compared with the previous year; and what steps he will take, in conjunction with the Welsh Tourist Board, to increase these numbers.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe British Travel and Holidays Association has estimated that the number of overseas visitors who came to Wales in 1955 was about 100,000. There were 70,000 more visitors from overseas to the United Kingdom last year than in 1955, and I am sure Wales shared in this increase. The Association will continue to meet the cost of the Welsh Tourist Board's overseas publicity on an agreed basis and will also advertise the attractions of Wales in their own publicity programme.
§ Mr. GowerWhilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that the Welsh Tourist Board, out of somewhat inadequate resources, is making great efforts to increase this form of currency earning from abroad? Will he take account of the fact that far too many visitors to this 596 country limit their visits to London and Stratford-on-Avon and thereby get a most inadequate impression of the British Isles?
§ Sir D. EcclesI agree that the Welsh Tourist Board is doing a very good job, and I should like to see visitors from overseas spending a little more time in the United Kingdom. If they could do that by going to Wales they would be well advised.