HC Deb 12 March 1969 vol 779 cc1353-4
13. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in reorganising the development of tourism, he will take steps to provide that in the division of duties between Great Britain as a whole and the component countries each will share in the overall administration of the British section as well as being able to campaign for the tourist traffic of the respective countries and that all countries of the United Kingdom will participate in the same way in the British effort.

Mr. Ross

Clauses 1 and 2 of the Development of Tourism Bill, now before the House, are intended to achieve just this balance of responsibility in Great Britain.

Mr. Woodburn

Naturally, we all welcome this devolution of power to Scotland, but is there not a danger that it gives the appearance in the general set-up of devolution that what remains, called Britain, is the only part responsible for England? Is England not entitled to have its own tourist organisation, as Scotland has? In the development of this scheme of things, would it not be wise to follow the practice adopted by the Forestry Commission, with each country having its own organisation, and a federal organisation covering the whole country, and where Britain is not assumed to be England?

Mr. Ross

My concern at the moment is to ensure that we get the kind of freedom in respect of this work that we in Scotland have sought for a long time. Many of the points raised by my right hon. Friend could profitably be taken in the further stages of the Bill.

Sir J. Gilmour

In view of the fact that the Highlands and Islands Development Board is spending a great deal of money on publicising Scotland, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be able to continue to do this?

Mr. Ross

I am sure that the Highlands and Islands Development Board will not neglect its special responsibility in respect of its part of Scotland, and will be able to play its part. As it will be working in conjunction with the new Scottish Tourist Board, it is to be hoped that it will do it even better.