§ Sir F. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the representations which he has received about the Countryside and Tourist Amenities (Scotland) Bill; what replies he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleThe central proposal in the Bill, that a tourist fund should be196W raised by those who provide tourist accommodation, was introduced in the light of the recommendations which had been put forward on this question over the last few years. In particular, the Scottish Tourist Board, in the proposals which it published in April, 1962, following discussions with the hoteliers' organisations, concluded that there was a strong case for setting up a tourist fund by means of contributions and that there was no practicable alternative. This view was later endorsed by an informal study group of Scottish Members from both sides of the House. Since the Bill was introduced, however, the Tourist Board has recommended that there should be further consultations to find another method of raising the fund. It has also become clear that the hotel industry is opposed to raising the money by a levy on tourist accommodation alone. In these circumstances the Government have decided not to proceed with the Bill in its present form.