HC Deb 30 March 1927 vol 204 c1253
65. Sir F. WISE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what was the net cost to the taxpayer of the British Industries Fair held in London and Birmingham?

Sir B. CHADWICK

No cost was involved to the taxpayer on account of the recent British Industries Fair apart from the special publicity grant of £25,000.

Commander WILLIAMS

Was not this Fair most successful in advertising the goods of the Empire?

Sir B. CHADWICK

Yes, Sir.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a competent organiser could have run this Fair quite successfully without any grant from public funds?

Sir B. CHADWICK

It is generally supposed to have been run very successfully.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not a fact that there is no more competent organiser than the permament head of the Overseas Trade Department?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are organisers of exhibitions who could have run an exhibition of this sort with half the staff?