79. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Industries Fair was held at the Crystal Palace in 1920, with results that were satisfactory to the exhibitors; and whether, seeing that the Crystal Palace is an institution belonging to the nation, purchased by voluntary contributions, he will consider the desirability of giving preference to this institution when exhibitions are held in the future in which the Government is interested or for which it provides a subsidy?
Mr. SAMUELThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The suggestion made in the second part is one which I will take carefully into account before deciding on the site for any future exhibition with which my Department may be concerned.
Sir F. HALLWill a little more sympathy be shown in the future than has been the case in the past, and would my hon. Friend mind communicating with the Crystal Palace before any decision is arrived at as to where these exhibitions are to be held?
Mr. SAMUELAs I told my hon. and gallant Friend when he brought a deputation to see me early in the summer, we did consider this matter carefully, but the exhibitors did not wish to go there.
Sir F. HALLSeeing that my hon. Friend states that the reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, may I ask whether the exhibitors were not satisfied with the results of the exhibition held in 1920?
Mr. SAMUELThat may be so, but in the case of the exhibition that is about to be held they do not wish to go to the Crystal Palace.