§ 57. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government grants towards the cost of the British Industries Fair will now be discontinued in view of the fair being so successful that the demand of would-be exhibitors is now for 10,000 square feet more space than is available; and what is being done to fix rentals so as to make the Fair self-supporting?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)The growing success of the Fair is most satisfactory, and I have been considering what change should be made in the arrangements for financing the publicity campaign in future years. The matter will be referred to the Committee presided over by Lord Chelmsford, which is to consider various questions relating to the Fair.
§ Mr. SMITHERSCan the hon. Gentleman see any hope of the Exchequer grant being done away with?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEAs I have said, that point will be referred to the Committee, and I must await their proposals.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the branch of the Fair held in Birmingham cost the Exchequer nothing?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that British trade benefits very considerably as a result of this expenditure?