§ 15. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the importance of extending the Scottish tourist industry, if he will state his proposals for making loans, on favourable terms, for the building, extension, and improvement of hotels in Scotland.
Mr. AmoryMore good hotels are desirable in Scotland and in this country as a whole. But a case has not been made out for giving assistance from public funds.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Chancellor not realise that high unemployment, depopulation and beautiful scenery all combine to make the suggestion in the Question a desirable one and that in neglecting the north of Scotland he is repudiating promises made by his Government during the General Election? If the right hon. Gentleman has self-respect, will be get his Government to rectify this?
Mr. AmoryI hope I have self-respect, and it is for that reason that I should like to quarrel most strongly with the hon. and learned Member's statement that the Government are neglecting Scotland. [HON. MEMBERS: "oh."] The truth is exactly the opposite.
§ Mr. ManuelOf course they are.
§ Mr. NabarroWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the most effective way in which he can help the hotel and tourist industry in this country, as represented to him continuously in the last two or three years by the representative body, is to reduce the excessive rate of Purchase Tax on the equipment they require in these hotels?
Mr. AmoryAs my hon. Friend knows already, I think that the interpretation of the Purchase Tax Schedules acts quite generously towards the equipment of hotels.