HC Deb 28 November 1932 vol 272 cc460-1
20. Mr. GUY

asked the Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department the estimated cost to the taxpayer of the British Industries Fair to be held in February, 1933?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

The answer is "Nil." It is estimated that the total cost of the British Industries Fair to be held in February, 1933, will be met from the proceeds of space rents and other receipts.

Mr. WILLS

How does the hon. Member account for the figure of £105,000 given in the Economy Committee's Report as the charge against the public funds for this purpose?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I take no responsibility for that figure. I can only assume that in the provision made for receipts this has not been taken into account.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Does the reply mean that the grant from the Empire Marketing Board and the advertisements' subsidy have both been dropped?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

There is no grant-in-aid this year.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not the case that the part of the exhibition held at Birmingham was self-supporting, and paid for itself?