HC Deb 17 February 1930 vol 235 cc907-8
34. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many invitations have been issued this year to prospective buyers from overseas to attend the British Industries Fair; how many acceptances have been received: and how these figures compare with those at a similar period last year?

Mr. GILLETT

49,000 invitation cards have been issued to prospective buyers from overseas to attend the British Industries Fair of 1930. In addition, 14,025 invitation cards have been sent to the Department's overseas officers for distribution. These figures were approximately the same in respect of the 1929 Fair. 573 acceptances have been received, as compared with 874 acceptances at a similar period last year, and the Department has been informed that 221 buyers have instructed their agents in this country to attend the Fair. This figure compares with 237 at a similar period last year. In addition to these figures, the Department has been informed that organised parties of business men from Denmark, Germany, and the United States of America will visit the Fair. The party from Denmark numbers several hundreds.

Mr. HACKING

Can the hon. Gentleman give any reason for the falling off in acceptances?

Mr. GILLETT

I am afraid I cannot.

40. Mr. HACKING

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is in a position to give the names of the members of the Committee which His Majesty's Government have set up to examine certain matters affecting the organisation of the British Industries Fair; and whether the Committee has yet met?

Mr. GILLETT

Yes, Sir, the following gentlemen have accepted the invitation of His Majesty's Government to serve on the Committee:

  • The Right Hon. Viscount Chelmsford (Chairman).
  • The Right Hon. Lord Barnby.
  • Mr. John Beard.
  • Alderman Sir Percival Bower.
  • Sir John Corcoran.
  • Sir Robert Donald.
  • Sir William J. Larke.
  • Mr. Guy Locock.
  • Sir Sydney Skinner.
  • Sir Gilbert Vyle.
  • Mr. Robert Waddington.
In reply to the second part of the question, the Committee have already held a preliminary meeting.

Mr. HACKING

Will the hon. Gentleman ask them to expedite their report, so that it may be in the possession of hon. Members in plenty of time to make arrangements for the next Fair?

Mr. GILLETT

I think there will be plenty of opportunity—probably more than hon. Members will require.