§ 34. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many tourists have stayed in Scottish hotels and guest houses in each of the last five years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gilmour Leburn)As the Answer contains a number of figures I shall, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. MacArthurIf I am anticipating the figures correctly, I believe that they will show an encouraging increase in tourist traffic. Would not my hon. Friend agree that that demonstrates the importance of the growing tourist trade to Scotland's economy? Is it his view that any proposal which would appear to lessen Scotland's welcome to the visitor should be treated with the greatest caution?
§ Mr. LeburnI agree that the figures show an encouraging increase over the years. I think that my hon. Friend's second supplementary question would be more appropriate to Question No. 35.
§ Following is the information:
| THE SCOTTISH TOURIST BOARD ESTIMATE THAT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ACCOMMODATED IN HOTELS, BOARDING HOUSES AND APARTMENTS IN SCOTLAND DURING THE PERIOD 1ST OCTOBER TO 30TH SEPTEMBER EACH YEAR WAS AS FOLLOWS | |
| 1957 | 4,454,868 |
| 1958 | 4,746,067 |
| 1959 | 5,052,895 |
| 1960 | 5,073,217 |
| 1961 | 5,426,663 |