HC Deb 01 December 1927 vol 211 cc701-2
76. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether any reply has been made to the offer from the German railways that visitors to the British Industries Fair should receive a special reduction of 25 per cent. on their ordinary fares, provided that reciprocity is guar anteed, as far as railway companies in this country are concerned, for British visitors to the fair at Leipzig?

Captain HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I have been asked to reply. An offer has been received from the German Federal Railway Company of a special reduction for visitors to the British Industries Fair provided reciprocity were granted in respect of visitors to certain fairs in Germany. The matter has been put before the British railway companies, but I am informed that they cannot see their way to grant to persons visiting foreign fairs from this country facilities other than those usually accorded to passengers travelling in parties, which is a reduction of about one-third.

77. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the number of British exhibitors at the international fair at Leipzig in 1927; how that compares with the number in the previous year; and whether he can give any indication of the number who intend to exhibit in 1928?

Captain HACKING

I am informed that the number of British exhibitors at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1927 was 42 as compared with 11 in the previous year. As regards the 1928 fair I understand that about 50 British firms are expected to take space.