HC Deb 04 April 1927 vol 204 c1672
33. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that a machine tool of American manufacture was used at the British Industries Fair, Birmingham, for the purpose of demonstrating certain cutting tools; and, if so, what steps, if any, were taken for the removal of this American machine from the exhibition?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

I understand that a machine tool of American manufacture was used at the British Industries Fair, Birmingham, solely for the purpose of demonstrating certain British-made milling cutters. The machine tool itself was not on sale.

34. Mr. WILLIAMS

also asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department from what source the British Industries Fair obtained the £3,000 which enabled it to refund that amount to the Department of Overseas Trade to cover the services rendered by the Department to the Fair?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The contribution of £3,000 paid to the Department of Overseas Trade by the British Industries Fair for the services of that Department is paid out of the receipts from the exhibitors at the Fair.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that the expenditure on the Fair already exceeds the receipts, and in those circumstances how can they provide this money out of a deficit?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The expenditure on publicity, possibly, but in regard to this matter of £3,000, my hon. Friend seems to find a little difficulty in deciphering the estimate, and I am going to send him an explanation of it.