§ 43. Mr. DARBISHIREasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will lay upon the Table of the House the whole of the evidence taken at the recent inquiry into the management of the British Empire Exhibition?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYThe evidence taken in the course of the inquiry conducted by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General was exceedingly voluminous, and I do not think it is necessary or desirable to have it printed and laid on the Table of the House.
§ 72. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware of the intention to erect a tower, 500 feet high, with a rotary joy-wheel, in connection with the forthcoming British Empire Exhibition at Wembley; whether, seeing that the project is offensive to the inhabitants of Wembley and inimical to 28 the dignity and serious interest of the Exhibition, he will exert his influence to effect a cessation of the work?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI understand that no definite proposal for the construction of a tower has as yet been submitted to the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition. They assure me that if such a proposition should be made to them, due regard will be paid to local opinion on the subject.
§ Mr. MOSLEYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman exercise his power of veto on this Committee against any proposal so absurd?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI cannot undertake to do that.
§ Mr. MOSLEYWhat is the attitude of the Government in view of the fact that public funds are supporting this Exhibition, and if it falls into disrepute those funds are liable to be called upon? May I have a reply?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question of what is to happen if other proposals are made is another matter, and is hypothetical.
§ Mr. MOSLEYIt is stated in the Press that this matter is before the authorities of the Exhibition. May I ask, in view of the fact that the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department is one of the responsible bodies represented on that Committee, whether or not this matter has yet been laid before the Committee or before the Amusements Committee, with which, I understand, he is also connected?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYThe proposal has not yet been put before the Committee. I cannot say anything more than is contained in the answer given.