HC Deb 11 June 1969 vol 784 cc1431-2
3. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial support he gives to bodies in Scotland which undertake ski-ing instruction; and if he will name the bodies.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Bruce Millan)

Annual grants are made to the Scottish National Ski Council, and also to the Scottish Council of Physical Recreation towards the cost of the Scottish Centre of Outdoor Training at Glenmore Lodge, where ski instruction is included in some courses.

Local ski clubs are eligible for grant under the local capital grants scheme, though that scheme does not include grant for ski instruction.

Mr. Maclennan

Do the Government offer financial support only to bodies or individuals undertaking training in sporting activities on a non-profit-making basis? By offering support to outdoor commercial ventures such as the Ardmore Adventure Centre in north-west Sutherland, might not outdoor training in sporting activities be made much more widely available?

CASES OF FOOD POISONING IN SCOTLAND NOTIFIED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
1968 1967 1966 1965 7964 1963
May … … … … 47 81 27 44 62 57
June … … … … 68 26 30 56 108 109
July … … … … … 43 49 91 125 93 40
August … … … … 88 137 37 108 149 51
September … … … … 562 56 32 71 64 64
Mr. Millan

I see considerable difficulties about making Government assistance available to commercial ventures. I know the project my hon. Friend mentions. I will look at any aspects of it that he would like me to, but the general rule must apply.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Will the Under-Secretary seek to relieve Scottish ski schools from the selective employment tax, because they feel that this is an anomalous burden seeing that the hotels which benefit from their activities have now been relieved of it?

Mr. Millan

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would care to table that separate question.