§ 34. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department when he expects to receive a report from the Chelmsford Committee in connection with the future policy of his Department regarding trade exhibitions?
§ Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The Committee expects to finish taking evidence before the Summer Recess, and it is anticipated that the report will appear in the autumn.
§ Mr. HACKINGDo I take it that the arrangements for next year's British Industries Fair will not be held up for the report of the Chelmsford Committee?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo. The recommendations of the Committee will not affect next year's Fair.
§ 35. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many of the signatory Governments have declared their intention to ratify the Con- 786 vention relating to international exhibitions, signed in Paris in November, 1928?
§ 39. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many, if any, countries have ratified the Convention of Paris of 22nd November, 1928, on the control of international exhibitions; and what is the position of His Majesty's Government in the matter?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe British, French and German Governments have notified their intention to ratify the Convention, and the Swedish Riksdag have passed a Bill authorising ratification.
§ 36. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can make any statement regarding the results being achieved at the British section of the Antwerp Exhibition?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe British Pavilion and exhibits have received many friendly and eulogistic references in the British and Belgian Press. Private reports from exhibitors indicate that they are very well satisfied with the results so far obtained. It is estimated that well over 1,000,000 people have visited the exhibition, of whom at least 1,000,000 have passed through the British Pavilion.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the British section was one of the only two principal exhibits ready on the opening day when I was there?
§ 37. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can now indicate the nature and extent of the organisation in progress in connection with the projected British trade exhibition at Buenos Ayres in March and April of next year; and if he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to secure the success of this undertaking?
§ Mr. GILLETTSince I answered the question by the hon. Member for Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on this subject on 26th May, the number of applications from British firms wishing to exhibit has so increased that it has proved necessary to provide a further 100,000 square feet, making nearly 250,000 square feet in all of covered space. In reply to the latter part of the question, 787 I am endeavouring to see that everything possible is being done to secure the success of the exhibition.