HC Deb 29 January 1957 vol 563 c848
41. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what answer he has made to the representations of Lord Cameron, Q.C., as Chairman of the Highlands Advisory Panel, regarding the inadequacy of the petrol rationing arrangements to meet the special geographical conditions of the Scottish Highlands.

Mr. Maclay

I have received general representations on this subject from the Advisory Panel on the Highlands and Islands, and I have communicated them to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and my noble Friend the Minister of Power. Their regional officers have already been instructed to maintain essential supplies to country areas and to give special consideration to cases where the livelihood of the applicant is involved. A reply has been sent to Lord Cameron to this effect.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Can the Secretary of State say whether special arrangements are going to be made to preserve the tourist industry in the Highlands in the summer?

Mr. Maclay

That is a question on which discussions are going on. It presents certain difficulties, but the matter is very much under consideration.

Mr. Woodburn

I hope the right hon. Gentleman has made it clear to the Minister of Power that if the Highland hotel industry collapses during this summer while hotels on the Continent are booming because they get free petrol over there, there will be the greatest resentment throughout the whole of Scotland.