HC Deb 14 March 1968 vol 760 cc1588-9
7. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to ensure a more rapid expansion of the tourist industry in Wales.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 20th February.—[Vol. 759, c. 108.]

Mr. Evans

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even the six-county Government of Stormont gave their Tourist Board £186,000 last year and that the Irish Government gave their Tourist Board £2,770,000? It will be impossible to realise the full potential of the Welsh tourist industry unless the level of support is not raised nearer to those figures.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman is not prepared to acknowledge the great progress which has been made, the increase in tourism in Wales and the increased revenue which has accrued. The Board's increased budget of £80,000 this year is not small and, in any case, it is only part of the total expenditure for this purpose. I would point out to him that Wales benefits from an annual expenditure of about £250,000 by the British Travel Association on overseas promotions to attract visitors to the Principality.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of the Welsh mountains, while not quite so magnificent as the Scottish mountains, are not so well known to tourists? Will he consider attracting tourists to Snowdon by transferring the forthcoming investiture from Caernarvon to the summit of Snowdon at dawn?

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I would not accept that the Welsh mountains are less well known than the Scottish ones.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Would the right hon. Gentleman inform his hon. Friend the Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) that, in spite of all he says, there is still a welcome in the hillside?