§ 26. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can state the number of British firms who exhibited goods, or were represented, at the Leipzig autumn fair, 1928, and the industries with which they were connected; and how many have, so far, made application for space for exhibits at the spring fair 1930?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)According to a report received from the British Consulate at Leipzig, the number of British exhibitors at the Autumn Fair this year was 33. The principal exhibits were sports goods and clothing, knitted goods, leather goods, ceramic ware, motor cars and cycles, perfumery and toilet articles, gramophones and gramophone records, toys and household goods. No information is available in the 2598 Department as to the number of British firms who have applied for space at the Spring Fair in 1930.
§ Mr. MACLEANHave the Government taken any steps to induce British manufacturers to exhibit at this fair?
§ Mr. HACKINGWe are giving them every opportunity by giving full information.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHMay we take it that the Department is giving facilities with regard to language and classification?
§ 28. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is taking steps to call attention to British manufacturers at the forthcoming fair at Leipzig at the beginning of March next year, so that advantage may be taken of this medium for the exhibition of British manufactures with the object of the extension of British trade throughout Central Europe; and if he contemplates the organisation of a joint exhibit of British manufactures for this fair in co-operation with trade organisations in this country?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, in view of its other commitments my Department is unable to undertake any responsibility in connection with the orgarisation of a joint exhibit of British manufacturers at the next Leipzig Fair. I feel sure, however, that such an exhibit, if judiciously selected, might be productive of increased trade for the firms participating, and my Department would be prepared to co-operate with any suitable body which undertook the orgarisation of a joint exhibit.
Lieut. Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLIf the Government are satisfied that exhibits at this fair are likely to be advantageous to British manufacturers, cannot my hon. Friend reconsider the proposition on the lines of the question of my hon. Friend and give some tangible assistance to British manufactures?
§ Mr. HACKINGIt is because we do give at the present time such a large amount of tangible assistance to British 2599 manufactures that I am afraid at the moment we cannot go any further.