§ 28. Sir J. Lucasasked the President of the Board of Trade how much foreign currency was involved by British tourists going abroad in the last convenient period of 12 months; how much British currency was purchased by foreign or Commonwealth tourists visiting this 1463 country in the same period; and what action he will take to make this country more attractive to tourists.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Roy Mason)In the 12 months ending 30th June, 1964. United Kingdom visitors spent £255 million in overseas countries, and overseas visitors spent £210 million in the United Kingdom. In addition, there was a net gain of the order of £70 million in fares to and from this country.
The Government's chosen instrument for attracting more tourists to Britain is the British Travel Association, which encourages and co-ordinates the activities of the Tourist Boards, the tourist trades and the local authorities in holiday resort areas.
§ Sir J. LucasWill the hon. Gentleman suggest to the British Travel Association that visitors should be informed that we have hunt point-to-point meetings from February to May which give a very good idea of British country life? No charge is made to visitors, entrance is free, one sees a real bit of country life, everyone is friendly, all classes mix together, and they are excellent institutions. If they were publicised, it would do an awful lot of good.
§ Mr. MasonI am sure that the British Travel Association is aware of that. If it is not, I shall draw it to its attention.