HC Deb 25 June 1924 vol 175 cc436-7
75. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the untidiness of the British Empire Exhibition grounds, to the litter of paper and rubbish that is everywhere; and whether he can take steps to have the grounds kept clean, in view of the fact that their present condition is likely to make a bad impression on foreign visitors to the exhibition?

Mr. LUNN

My attention had not previously been drawn to this matter, but I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities, with whom I have been in communication, that additional receptacles for rubbish are being provided, and that additional cleaners are being engaged. I might, however, add that if the hon. and gallant. Member were to visit the exhibition in the early morning he would, I feel sure, see little cause for complaint; and I think he will agree that, in view of the enormous daily attendance of visitors, the co-operation of the public is essential if the grounds of the exhibition are not to be disfigured by the refuse to which he refers.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that in the afternoon the state of the grounds is an absolute disgrace owing to the litter of paper and rubbish everywhere, and in view of the increasing unemployment, could he not employ two or three hundred men to go round the grounds in the daytime and pick up rubbish?

Mr. CLIMIE

Could not the House of Commons be better employed than in discussing the cleaning up of the exhibition?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Are the visitors to the exhibition any worse than Members of the House of Commons in this Chamber?

Mr. PENNY

May I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that it is not only paper, but there is a great leakage of water in various directions, which is distasteful to the public.

Mr. HANNON

How in the world can the administration of the exhibition be held responsible for a water leakage?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon Members, no doubt, wish that the desire for more tidiness may reach the public.