§ 7. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British and other foreign manufacturers of artificial silk are precluded from exhibiting samples at the Leipzig Fair this month; and whether he will draw the attention of the Leipzig 1207 Fair authorities to the usual practice of such international fairs of permitting and encouraging exhibits from all countries without restriction?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I understand that British and other foreign manufacturers of artificial silk are precluded from exhibiting at the German Artificial Silk Exhibition, which it to be held at Leipzig shortly, though I have no official information on the subject. With regard to the second part of the question, it is within the discretion of the organisers of an exhibition to admit or exclude foreign participation. I understand that the exhibition in question is not an integral part of the Leipzig Fair, but I am making inquiries and will communicate further with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HARRISAre foreign manufacturers prohibited from exhibiting at our British Industries Fair? Is it like for like?
§ Mr. SAMUELYes, Sir.
§ Mr. MACLEANWere any firms precluded from exhibiting at the British Industries Fair, either at Birmingham or in London?
§ Mr. SAMUELYes, Sir; it is part of the understanding that all goods sold at this fair should be British.
§ Mr. MACLEANWhy, then, does the Minister expect that other countries are not going to give the same treatment to British firms?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister cannot be responsible for the form in which the question is put down.