REMUNERATIVE SPENDING
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The enterprise of British holiday resorts in their efforts to attract visitors during the season now begun is a graphic commentary upon the action of the Ministry of Health in banning certain public works on the vague ground that these
are not `S remunerative:': Among different plans undertaken around- the British coast I note.the -following :
Aberystwyth . 21,000 near, pavilion and palm court.
Blackpool 150,000,indoor baths. ,
Bridlington .. 150,000 concert hall, bathing pool, and gala, nq
ob. site of old buildings.
Douglas. (I.0.?d.).. 75,000 promenade extension.
Felixstowe .. 30,000 park, zoo, ballroom, dm.
Hastings .. .. 65,000 new bathing pool with terraces, a parlour, and caf4s. Scarborough .. 30,000 extension oftsea.wall.
7,000 batldn&Pool• Southend .. 56,500 illuminations, new shelters, and park for 1,000 cars.
Southport.. . 30,500 bathing centre with beaeh bungalows.
Southsea .. 100,000 winter gardens and a hall.
What I should like to know- is whether even the most stubborn of advocates of economy would veto such work as " unremunerative." Before doing so let him ask the people of Blackpool and Scarborough and Aberystwyth and Southsea what they think about it. He will find them unanimous (especially nowadays- when faced with the competition of cruising holidays)' in declaring for this form of spending money to attract the visitor. Indeed, I think I am correct in saying that Blackpool and Southsea at least have made themselves as holiday resorts in their differing respects by wise spending financed by their own rates. It is quite obvious that only by well-planned and far-sighted development can our own health and holiday resorts meet the competition of Continental holiday facilities.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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