§ 34. Major GLYNasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what have been the average daily figures of attendances at the British Empire Exhibition for the period 15th May to 15th June; what has been the highest and lowest figure of attendance since the exhibition has been opened this year; how do these figures compare, respectively, for the same dates of 1924; and what steps are to be taken to give greater publicity to the merits of the exhibition?
Mr. SAMUELI am informed by the exhibition authorities that the average daily attendance from 15th May-15th June, 1925, was 60,565; that the highest and lowest daily figures this year are 243,292 and 33,934 respectively, and that the corresponding figures for last year were 102,403, 321,232 and 25,784 respectively. With regard to the last part of the question, I understand that the exhibition authorities are devoting as much of their resources as possible to publicity, and I am confident they will continue to receive the patriotic support which they have always enjoyed from the Press. I would remind the hon. Members that they can themselves render great assistance by drawing attention to the merits of this great Imperial enterprise in their own constituencies.
§ Sir W. de FRECEIs it not a fact that the exhibition authorities have reduced their publicity arrangements on account of the expense?
§ Colonel DAYIn view of the great decrease in attendances, can the hon. Gentleman tell the House what is the maximum amount which the Government will be asked to find this year?
Mr. SAMUELIt would be impossible to answer the question as to what the attendances will be in the coming weeks.