§ 49. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the purpose of the German Industries Exhibition to be held in Oxford Street; and why it has been decided to open this exhibition, in view of the Victory celebrations on 8th June.
Mr. HyndThe House will be aware of the demand, reflected in Questions by hon. Members and in the Press, for information about what we are doing in Germany. The purpose of the exhibition "Germany under Control"Is to help satisfy this demand. It will illustrate the tasks which fall to our administration in Germany in consolidating the victory which we shall be celebrating later this week. The choice of opening date is therefore not inappropriate, and it will, I hope, prove convenient for the many visitors who will be in London at this time.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes not the Minister appreciate that it is impossible to represent our task by means of an exhibition which is, in fact, a scandalous waste of public money? Is he so proud of the posi- 1612 tion of the industries in the British zone that he wants to exhibit them in Oxford Street?
Mr. HyndI am not proud of the industries in the British zone, but I am proud of what our people have done. It is desirable that the people of this country should be aware of the difficulties and of what has been done under those difficulties. If the hon. Member takes the trouble to visit the exhibition, I am sure he will agree that it is well worth while.