YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION'S 70TH BIRTHDAY

Early day motion 684, tabled 3 May 2000 by Alun Michael (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 78 members.

That this House notes that the Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales), whose aim is to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them in their travels and thus promoting their health, rest and education, celebrates its 70th birthday in 2000, is a leading charity serving the recreational and educational needs of young people, has 295,000 members of all ages and socio-economic groups and over 230 youth hostels in England and Wales with 14,000 beds, is a major contributor to Britain's tourism earnings, provides a unique base for environmental education and safe outdoor activities for all, including those with disabilities and those who may otherwise be excluded from such interests, meets expectations of high standards while maintaining low prices and is an active member of the International Youth Hostel Federation which embraces 60 countries, with 5,000 youth hostels and 4,000,000 members; and believes that it should be congratulated on its achievements.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 8, Conservative 7, Plaid Cymru 4, UUP 1.