Rail Privatisation And Scottish Tourism

EDM number 621 in 1994-95, proposed by Alex Salmond on 15/02/1995.

That this House notes with alarm the damaging consequences which rail privatisation will have for the tourist industry in Scotland and the North East in particular because of the widespread confusion and uncertainty which exists over the future of the Motorail Service; regrets that this will lead to a reduction in the number of visitors to Scotland, resulting in hotel cancellations and a knock on effect on the tourism industry; is deeply concerned that the sale of routes to private operators means that the Motorail office in Edinburgh are unable to guarantee the continued operation of Motorail beyond May 1995; is mindful that tourism is central to the livelihood of over 185,000 people in Scotland and underpins the economy of many rural communities in the north east and Highlands of Scotland; notes that the total value of tourism is worth in the region of ú1.75 billion to the Scottish economy; recognises the clear link between modern efficient rail links and the tourist trade; and believes that these can best be safeguarded and developed by real investment in the rail industry and not the downgrading and scrapping of vital services such as Motorail.

This motion has been signed by a total of 17 MPs.