§ 30. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information he can give to the House in connection with the results of the British Industries Fair?
§ 34. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will make a general statement to the House on the success which has attended the British Industries Fair in Birmingham and London; the number of visitors to each section; and the views of his expert advisers on the volume of business done?
§ Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)So far as can be ascertained from inquiries among the exhibitors at the Fair, the business done in practically all sections has been thoroughly satisfactory. The total number of attendances by overseas buyers was 4,854 in London and 1,984 in Birmingham, a total of 6,838. Until it has been possible to analyse the cards received at both sections of the Fair, I cannot give the exact number of overseas buyers who attended, but we know that there is an increase of about 25 per cent. over last year's numbers. The visits by home buyers numbered 167,259 in London and 106,682 in Birmingham, a total of 273,941, showing an increase of 30,000 over last year's figures. Visits by the general public numbered 34,679 in London and 14,215 in Birmingham, a total of 48,894. The. increased attendance and volume of business done are particularly satisfactory in view of the present condition of world trade.
§ Mr. HACKINGIs it not possible to give some approximate figure representing the value of the orders placed?
§ Mr. GILLETTI could not give any figure.
§ Mr. HANNONCan the hon. Gentleman do anything to call the attention of our Commercial Secretaries and Consuls-General throughout the world to the success of these Fairs?
§ Mr. GILLETTI shall take note of the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.