§ 40. Mr. LEWISasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will consider the advisability of holding the British Industries Fair in the autumn instead of in the spring, so as to give more time for manufacturers to execute orders for the spring and summer seasons?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The question of the most suitable date for the British Industries Fair was considered by the committee under the chairmanship of Lord Chelmsford in 1930. After carefully weighing the evidence of exhibitors and of buyers both from home and overseas, the committee recommended that the Fair should continue to be held in the spring—at a date immediately prior to the Leipzig Spring Fair. It was found that this date was the most suitable one for the majority of trades included in the schedule of the Fair.
§ Mr. LEWISHas my hon. Friend received any representations from any manufacturers in this country to the effect that the date fixed is inconvenient?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir; certain views have been expressed to me on that matter. I shall be glad to receive representations, and I will consider the subject in consultation with the Advisory Committee.
§ 41. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that at the British Industries Fair one firm manufacturing 100 per cent. British clocks, employing only British labour and British capital, was surrounded by exhibitors,who displayed German, French, and Swiss clocks in cases made in England; and whether he will take the necessary steps in future to protect the English clock industry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to his question of the 14th March, in which the position was explained. In view of recent developments in the manufacture of clock movements in the United Kingdom, the regulations are being reexamined in consultation with the trade associations concerned.