HC Deb 03 May 1951 vol 487 cc1415-6
47. Mr. Geoffrey Wilson

asked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent imported flowers have been used for the decoration of the South Bank Exhibition; and for what reason it has not been possible to confine floral decorations entirely to British horticultural products.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Stokes)

Contracts for floral decorations have in all cases been placed with British firms, and the Festival Office are satisfied that growing plants and growing flowers have, in fact, been prepared in this country. It is probable, however, that the seeds and bulbs from which the flowers were grown had in some cases come from abroad. Contracts for supplies of cut flowers have also been placed with British firms and it is possible that some of these, too, may have originated abroad, because British flowers may not, in some cases, have been in season at the time required for exhibition purposes.

Mr. Wilson

Is the Lord Privy Seal aware that there is a glut of British flowers at the present time for which very low prices are being paid? Can he give an assurance that all the flowers used for the Exhibition are of British origin, in order to encourage the British horticultural industry?

Mr. Stokes

I have explained what has happened. The main instruction to the Festival authorities was to make the show gay, and I hope that when hon. Members see it tomorrow they will think that it is.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Now that this great Festival is open, can the Lord Privy Seal give us an assurance that the petty sniping on the part of hon. Members opposite—[HON. MEMBERS: "Lie down."]—that has been going on for many months past, will now cease, in view of the fact that many hon. Members opposite took the opportunity to go to the opening service this morning?

Mr. Stokes

I cannot control sniping, and I can assure my hon. Friend that I do not mind it in the least.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Can the Minister give as much publicity as possible to his answer, to correct a very strong impression caused by a radio announcement from the B.B.C. to the effect that flower bulbs came from Holland, instead of West Cornwall? The statement has done a great deal of harm to the flower-growing industry?

Mr. Stokes

I think that this Question and Answer will be given the necessary publicity.

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