HC Deb 21 September 1948 vol 456 cc66-7W
91. Mr. Teeling

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken since the 1st of July to improve accommodation for tourists in the country inns of Great Britain.

Mr. Bottomley

I have no doubt that the managements of the country inns are always seeking to improve the accommodation they can offer. In so far as they need Government permission or support, their requirements receive sympathetic consideration within the limits of the resources available, and special attention is paid to the claims of hotels and inns which are of importance to overseas visitors.

Sir I. Fraser

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of foreign currency earned this year to the latest convenient date by the tourist industry.

Mr. Bottomley

The total expenditure of overseas currency by tourists in the United Kingdom during January to June, 1948, is estimated at £14 million. Though precise estimates cannot yet be made for subsequent months, the holiday season and the Olympic Games have brought large numbers of tourists. I expect, therefore, the rate of receipts in the second half year to exceed that of the first half.