§ 15. Sir I. Fraserasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps his Department is taking to make known to prospective overseas visitors the arrangements for extra petrol for tourists in the United Kingdom.
§ Sir D. EcclesMy Department issued a statement on 21st December about the arrangements for overseas visitors and arranged for wide publicity to be given to it through United Kingdom posts abroad and the British Travel and Holidays Association.
§ Sir I. FraserAs persons overseas must arrange their holidays early in the year, 589 would my right hon. Friend give further publicity to this Answer, so that we may get as many visitors here as possible, spending their money?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir. I think it is very important to have as many visitors as possible this summer.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWhile it is important to have as many overseas visitors as possible, is it not grossly undignified for a country like ours to lay itself open to giving overseas visitors a superior way of life compared with that of its own nationals? While we all hope that petrol rationing will be abandoned as soon as possible—and, I hope, in favour of a free market, even if the Canal is not opened—let us hope also that those who visit our country share in our own griefs and our own sorrows.
§ Sir D. EcclesIf my noble Friend cares to take his car across the Channel, he will get the same generous treatment as we are giving to tourists who come here.