Tourist Industry

HC Deb 02 June 1959 vol 606 cc10-2

15. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state his plans for assisting the extension of the tourist industry in Scotland during 1959 and 1960.

21. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what immediate steps he proposes to take to co-ordinate existing plans for developing Scottish tourism; and if he will himself initiate a drive to stimulate this trade and prepare for its adequate hospitality.

Mr. Maclay

The stimulation of the tourist trade in Scotland, and the coordination of the various plans for developing that trade, are undertaken primarily by the Scottish Tourist Board. I am at present discussing with the Board the best means of improving the organisation of accommodation and facilities for tourists in the Highlands, and I hope to tell the House before long the result of these discussions.

Mr. Hughes

I thank the Minister for that answer. Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there are at least two aspects which still need development: the seasonal one of ski-ing in winter and pony trekking in summer; and the development of the hotels, including the provision of better roads for the tourists?

Mr. Maclay

The Scottish Tourist Board and the Scottish Council for Physical Recreation have already had some success in encouraging sports such as the hon. and learned Gentleman has mentioned. D.A.T.A.C. assistance is available for hotels, and I intend to press on with the roads programme already announced.

Mr. Woodburn

Is not the Secretary of State of opinion that the time is coming when this matter should be surveyed as a comprehensive problem? For example, in addition to the development of facilities for the carriage of cars to Perth by rail, could not provision be made for the hiring of caravans in which to tour the Highlands, pending the provision of hotel accommodation? Does not it appear desirable to the Secretary of State to set up a comprehensive inquiry into the best way to develop the tourist industry in order to ensure that its growing potentialities are not lost?

Mr. Maclay

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman on the importance on the matters he has mentioned. They are the kind of things which I am discussing with the Scottish Tourist Board.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is my right lion. Friend aware that a great deal of the attractiveness of Scotland arises from the fact that it is not over-run by tourists? Will he keep in mind a proper balance in this matter, lest some of the magic of that wonderful country be lost?

Mr. Maclay

Such a balance is a very important matter, but I think we can still take a good many more tourists in Scotland without damaging the beauty of the country.

26. Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up a committee of inquiry to report on the economics of providing roads and car parks, mountain cable railways and restaurants in order to develop appropriate mountain districts as an all-the-year-round attraction and industry.

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir, but I will discuss my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion with the Scottish Tourist Board.