§ 12. Mr. John Hannamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend depreciation allowances to cover the fabric of hotel buildings and structures.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanMy hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate the Budget Statement.
§ Mr. HannamI appreciate that reply, but in view of the importance of the tourist industry, not only in view of foreign earnings but from the point of view of future employment, and in view of the ending, next year, of the grants and loans scheme, would not my hon. Friend agree that every effort should be 1222 made to ensure the continuing provision of modern hotel facilities? Would not depreciation allowances be the best method of achieving this end?
§ Mr. MacmillanI note my hon. Friend's point. It may reassure him to know that my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary is seeing representatives of the tourist industry tomorrow.