§ 31. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what assistance has been given by his Department during the previous 12 months for the purpose of assisting British exhibitors at any oversea trade exhibitions; and what preparations are being made for next year's British Industries Fair?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have been asked to reply. During the past 12 months the Department of Overseas Trade has provided on request, as previously, up-to-date information to United Kingdom firms desirous of participating in overseas exhibitions and trade fairs; the service included the publication in the Board of Trade Journal of announcements of forthcoming exhibitions and trade fairs to be held abroad.
The arrangements for the organisation of the British Industries Fair to be held in London and Birmingham from the 15th to the 26th February next are well advanced and a world wide publicity campaign is being undertaken. Applications 1077 for exhibiting space in the Fair (London and Birmingham) have already been received from 1,754 firms for an area of 794,586 square feet, an increase of approximately 12 per cent. over the area applied for during the same period last year.
§ Mr. DAYAre His Majesty's Government pledged to any official participation in any oversea exhibition?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question upon the Paper.