§ 33. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary to the Overeas Trade Department whether he will make a, statement on the arrangements which have been made to enable visitors from overseas to spend some time at the British Industries Fair at Birmingham; whether full publicity relating to the fair has been supplied to the High Commissioners and representatives in London of His Majesty's Dominions, Colonies and Dependencies, and also the Embassies and Legations of foreign countries; and whether transport facilities to and from the fair have been adequately organised?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)As my hon. Friend will be aware, the engineering and hardware section of the British Industries Fair is organised by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with my Department. I am informed that arrangements for the special reservation of hotel accommodation for overseas and home buyers visiting that section of the fair have been made, and that full information and cards of invitation have been sent to the representatives in London of the Dominions and India, the Colonies, Dependencies and Protectorates, and to foreign diplomatic and consular offices in the United Kingdom. I am further assured that the transport facilities have been adequately organised. They include not only travel concessions in this country and special services of trains, but also substantial concessions by the British and foreign railways, shipping and airways companies, to visitors from Europe and those passing through Europe.
§ Mr. HANNONWhile thanking my hon. and gallant Friend for his answer, may I ask him to use his influence to induce as many Members as possible of both Houses of Parliament to visit this interesting exhibition?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir, and I hope that my hon. Friend will assist me in that matter.