§ 37. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any statistics are being compiled showing the figures for the values of orders taken at the British Industries Fair held in London and Birmingham; whether he has had any Reports of the amount of business done; and whether it is proposed to extend these fairs in 1931?
§ Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)No statistics are being compiled of the business done by the exhibitors at the recent British Industries Fair at either the London or Birmingham section. While no formal reports have been submitted of the business done I have every reason to believe that it was on a satisfactory scale. The additional gross area available at Olympia next year will be 107,000 square feet, and I understand that further extensions are intended at Birmingham.
§ Mr. GILLETTCertainly not next year, but the matter is one for further consideration.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the volume of trade done with Russia?
§ 38. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any further information to give the House regarding the results of the British Industries Fair?
§ Mr. GILLETTI am afraid I have little to add to the information I have already given on this subject beyond the fact that my Department continues to receive evidence that the Fair produced excellent business.
§ Sir DOUGLAS NEWTONWill the hon. Gentleman send a commission over to the Leipzig Fair to see the way in which it is managed? I think it would be possible to get many useful ideas.
§ Mr. GILLETTThe whole matter is now before the Committee which was appointed specially to deal with those questions.