§ 36. Mr. DARBISHIREasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will cause to be made a definite announcement to the effect that the Government will not admit any further liability in the event of there being a deficit on account of the British Empire Exhibition; and what liability exists at present?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYUnder the British Empire Exhibition (Guarantee) Acts, 1920 and 1922, His Majesty's Government have undertaken to pay, up 2073 to an amount not exceeding £100,000, a proportion of any loss which may result from the holding of the exhibition. As the hon. Member is aware, guarantees have been received from other sources to the amount of £1,103,000.
§ Mr. DARBISHIREFor what proportion of the loss is the British Government responsible?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYIt depends upon what the loss is.
§ Mr. DARBISHIREWhat is the proportion?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYOur pro portion of the loss is subject to average; if there be any loss.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINMay I ask whether disparaging questions on the British Empire Exhibition are not, perhaps, the safest of all ways of securing that deficit?