HC Deb 22 January 1964 vol 687 cc1079-80
33. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland for what reason nominations are already being sought from hotel and catering interests for membership of the proposed Scottish Tourist Amenities Council; and whether, in view of the fact that the Countryside and Tourist Amenities (Scotland) Bill has only recently been introduced into Parliament and may be substantially amended before reaching the Statute Book, he will postpone seeking such nominations until a later stage.

Mr. G. Campbell

My right hon. Friend has informed the organisations concerned that, in the event of the Bill becoming law during the current Session, it is expected that the Scottish Tourist Amenities Council will be appointed soon thereafter, and he has asked them to let him have any names which they would wish him to consider in making appointments to the Council. No time limit has been fixed for the submission of nominations.

Mr. Hoy

Was not this a rather premature request to this organisation, particularly when one considers the Answer given earlier to Question No. 15? Is it not a fact that the hotel owners have notified him that they are totally opposed to this imposition to pay for the working of this Council? Because of this, will the hon. Gentleman urge his right hon. Friend to withdraw the request for nominations at this early date?

Mr. Campbell

It is not unusual for consultations to take place while a Bill is still before the House. My right hon. Friend's letter made it clear that appoint- ments to the Council were dependent upon the Bill being passed. Criticism has not been levelled at the formation of the Council but at other parts of the Bill. The hon. Member will recall that recently there has been criticism of my right hon. Friend because of a delay which occurred in appointing members to the Highlands Transport Board. It is to avoid any delay that my right hon. Friend is trying to move off early in this case.

Mr. Ross

But this Bill has not even had its Committee stage yet. After that, it must have its Report stage and Third Reading, and then there are the whole of the proceedings in another place. Would it not have been much more sensible to wait until the House of Commons had discussed the duties and responsibilities of the Council—indeed, until it had authorised the establishment of such a Council—before proceeding in this way?

Mr. Campbell

My right hon. Friend has made it entirely clear that the recommendations are completely subject to the Bill's passing through these stages. His object is to try to save time by ensuring that there is no delay later on.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that it was announced yesterday that there is to be a very big reduction in the Government contribution to this tourist organisation? Is this the commencement of development under the Bill—to reduce the contribution to tourist organisations?

Mr. Campbell

That is an entirely different question.