HC Deb 13 March 1968 vol 760 cc1347-8
8. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps he is now taking to promote tourist development in Scotland.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu)

The Government's rôle in promoting the development of tourism is still under review, and a statement will be made in due course.

Mr. Taylor

In view of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's exhortations to take home holidays and Scotland's wonderful tourist potential, will the Minister ensure that a more adequate grant is given to the Scottish Tourist Board in place of the present ludicrously low grant given by the Secretary of State for Scotland?

Mr. Mallalieu

I accept everything that the hon. Gentleman said about the attractions of Scotland. Where promotion is concerned, Scotland is doing pretty well.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will my hon. Friend say what the trend in Scottish tourism was last year? Was there an increase as compared with the previous year?

Mr. Mallalieu

There was a substantial increase, and I hope that it will continue this year.

Mr. David Steel

Apart from going into questions of giving extra grants to the tourist industry in Scotland, does the hon. Gentleman recognise that a start should be made by removing the Selective Employment Tax from the tourist industry there?

Mr. Mallalieu

That question might be addressed to my right hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sir K. Joseph

Will the Minister tell us when we can hope for the statement? Will he assure us that there will be a comprehensive statement on tourism, taking in the many points made from both sides of the House?

Mr. Mallalieu

The statement, when it comes, will, I hope, be comprehensive. I still cannot give a date. It is a long and complicated matter, and we want to get it right. We want to do it as soon as possible.

Mrs. Ewing

Will the Minister consider learning the lesson of Eire, where tourism has been developed into a major asset, whereas in Scotland it remains a largely undeveloped asset?

Mr. Mallalieu

There is still undeveloped potential in these islands. We are trying to develop them as fast as we can.