HC Deb 22 March 1938 vol 333 cc968-9
2. Mr. Batey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to publish the report of the committee of the Council for Art and Industry which he set up to examine the design and cost of the furniture and equipment of a working-class house?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this report, which has already been published.

5. Miss Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that no money from public funds will be granted to the British Council for Art and Industry in connection with the forthcoming exhibition at New York until there has been a reorganisation of the council which was responsible for the British pavilion in Paris?

Mr. Stanley

All expenditure from public funds in connection with the exhibition at New York will be borne on the Vote of the Department of Overseas Trade. No arrangement is being made for the Council for Art and Industry to take part in the display in the United Kingdom Government pavilion.

Miss Ward

Why is it that when one puts down a question to the Department of Overseas Trade about the Paris Exhibition, it is transferred to the Board of Trade; and when one puts it down to the Board of Trade, it is transferred to the Department of Overseas Trade? Would anyone really like to take responsibility?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot say whether anyone would like to take responsibility. Unfortunately, the responsibility is mine, and the answer is the one I have given.