§ 21. Mr. COUPERasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in deciding to hold the British Industries Fair in London and Birmingham, manufacturers in Scotland were consulted as to whether a similar exhibition should be held in Glasgow; and to what extent are public funds charged with the expenses of the British Industries Fairs in London and Birmingham?
Mr. SAMUELUp to 1921 a section of the British Industries Fair was held in Glasgow. It was, however, then decided in view of the report of a committee appointed to examine the whole question of the British Industries Fairs, to discontinue the Glasgow section of the fair. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the report from which he will observe that manufacturing interests in Glasgow were fully consulted. As regards the last part of the question, the Government, in view of the need for taking every possible step to stimulate trade, are providing the sum of £25,000 which will be expended mainly on publicity overseas for the British Industries Fair in London and Birmingham.
Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that £25,000 might have been well expended in assisting the National Institute at Crystal Palace where a British Industries Fair has previously been held?
§ Mr. COUPERWhere is this £25,000 to be expended, and by whom?
Sir F. HALLIn reference to the reply which the hon. Gentleman has just given in the negative, is that his own opinion or the opinion of his advisers in his Department?