§ 29. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is in a position to state the nature of the manufactured goods from various countries exhibited at the Johannesburg Agricultural Show last year; and whether, as such exhibits were only to the extent of less than 10 per cent. composed of agricultural implements and machinery, the remainder com- 2600 prising manufactured articles of all descriptions, and in view of the importance of this show as a means of promoting the sale of British goods in the South African Union, he will consider the advisability of giving some measure of financial support to a joint exhibit to be organised of British manufactures?
§ Mr. HACKINGAccording to my information the exhibits in the Overseas Industries Section of the Johannesburg Agricultural Show consisted principally of consumers' goods, the few exceptions being goods of agricultural interest, such as fertilisers, dips, insecticides, etc. My information is that the Agricultural Machinery Section was by far the largest and most important of the Industrial exhibits at the Show. With regard to the last part of the question, I fear that it will not be possible to give financial support for the organisation of a British exhibit. My Department will be pleased, however, to render any assistance in its power to anybody organising such an exhibit.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes not my hon. Friend think that it is a very deplorable state of affairs that foreign Governments give assistance to their manufacturers in order to enable them to exhibit at this show in South Africa while the British Government do nothing at all?
§ Mr. HACKINGWell, Sir, we do give and will continue to give all the assistance in our power, but as my hon. Friend knows, it must be limited by financial considerations.
§ Mr. HANNONIn point of fact, at last year's exhibition at Johannesburg the German Government, for example, gave substantial assistance to their own manufacturers having exhibits there.