64. Sir H. BRITTA INasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is able to inform the House as to the measure of success of the British Industries Fair, and whether it is to be followed by similar exhibitions elsewhere?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe British Industries Fairs recently held in London, Glasgow and Birmingham have enjoyed a full measure of success. No detailed estimate can yet be framed of the total of the busines done, but when the figures are available they will be published.
The Department of Overseas Trade proposes to continue its policy of organising such fairs for the promotion of British trade, and especially the export trade. The Department also has in hand the organisation of touring exhibitions of British manufacturers, which will visit the British Dominions and other parts of the world. One great feature of these fairs and exhibitions is the fact that they are 908 self-supporting and, therefore, no charge falls upon the State.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINSeeing that Government Departments are occasionally criticised is the hon. Gentleman aware that the buyers of this exhibition expressed their entire and unbounded satisfaction at the manner in which it was organised?
§ Mr. KILEYIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the profound concern of the promoters of the motor exhibition and textile and other exhibitions at what they consider the unfair competition of Government Departments, and can he also say if it is proposed to continue these exhibitions, and is he prepared to compensate the other people, and can he also—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWould the hon. Member kindly give notice of some of those questions.