HC Deb 29 April 1958 vol 587 cc170-1
16. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state his plans for assisting the extension of the Scottish tourist industry during 1958.

Mr. Maclay

Assistance for the tourist industry is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and I shall continue to keep in close touch with him and with the Scottish Tourist Board. I would also draw the hon. and learned Member's attention to the reply that my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on 1st April.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that at the beginning of the tourist season that reply is too vague and general, and that now is the time to assist the tourist industry in Scotland? Does he not further recognise that it would bring valuable foreign currency there, which would be of benefit, not only to Scotland but to Sassenachs as well?

Mr. Maclay

I am anxious the whole time to do everything I can to help the Scottish tourist industry. I have even made speeches pointing out the merits of Scotland outside the tourist season.

Mr. John MacLeod

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a plan to pull down a very large hotel in Strathpeffer, and will he bring that to the notice of the Scottish Tourist Board?

Mr. Maclay

That is another matter that I should like to look at.

Mr. Hoy

Is it not a fact that the Scottish Office has set up the committee which was suggested last year by my hon. Friend the Member for Dunbartonshire, West (Mr. Steele), and that a meeting has been held? Will the right hon. Gentleman say what conclusions that committee has reached, and what recommendations it has made with a view to aiding the Scottish tourist industry?

Mr. Maclay

I think that it would be helpful if the hon. Gentleman would table a Question on the subject.

Mr. Woodburn

Did the right hon. Gentleman see the report of the small sums that some local authorities contribute to the Scottish Tourist Board? As the Board depends largely on the local authorities for its finance, would not he give some official encouragement to them to pay more appropriately to their means and not be so skimpy?

Mr. Maclay

I sincerely hope that they will note what the right hon. Gentleman has said. I made this point very strongly some time ago at the annual meeting of the Scottish Tourist Board.