HC Deb 12 February 1969 vol 777 cc1306-7
22. Mr. Blaker

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the Government's latest estimate of the likely shortage of hotel beds in Great Britain in 1970.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. William Rodgers)

I regret that there is insufficient information about hotels in this country to provide a basis for a meaningful estimate.

Mr. Blaker

Is it not a fact that the British Travel Association is able to make such an estimate? If the Government think that their hotel grants and loan scheme will be effective in increasing hotel accommodation, why have they waited until now to introduce it? Would it not have been better if it had been put in effect a year ago when the previous loan scheme expired?

Mr. Rodgers

There is not a great deal of enthusiasm on the other side of the House for collecting certain sorts of information. If there was, I might agree that we need more than we have. Some estimates have been made, but I do not think that they are sure enough to be a basis for policy making. As for the proposals, we are introducing a Bill which will be published sooner rather than later. I think that the hon. Gentleman will find it a good one.

Mr. Maclennan

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Highlands and Islands Development Board has carried out some extremely useful work in this connection? Will he confirm that, in considering the future areas of responsibility of the Board and the Scottish Tourist Board, the Highlands Board already has a useful record which should be built upon?

Mr. Rodgers

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend's remarks.

Mr. Corfield

Is the Minister really telling us that he proposes to allow B.E.A. and B.O.A.C. to invest very large sums of money in hotels without knowing what the need is?

Mr. Rodgers

This is certainly not what I said. There is a need for more hotel accommodation, which is not disputed on either side of the House. I hope that B.O.A.C. and B.E.A. will be able to make a full contribution to the need for newer accommodation and thus play their part in encouraging the tourist industry.