HC Deb 28 October 1946 vol 428 cc262-4
30. Mr. Wyatt

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, at the conclusion of the showing of the "Britain Can Make It" Exhibition in South Kensington, he will consider moving the whole or part of the exhibition to Birmingham, so that it may serve as an additional incentive to production in that city.

26. Mr. Grey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the Provinces and the fact that they can provide the necessary facilities, he will take steps to bring the "Britain Can Make It" Exhibition to selected Provincial centres.

Sir S. Cripps

The Council of Industrial Design, which is responsible for the "Britain Can Make It" Exhibition, has given careful consideration to the possibility of moving it to one or more provincial centres, but has reluctantly advised me against such a course. With this advice I agree. The cost of removal would be high, considerable replacements of timber and fabric, both scarce materials, would be required; and by the time the Exhibition could be reopened elsewhere, the British Industries Fair would already be claiming the attention of manufacturers, buyers and the public. With the kind cooperation of the Director and Advisory Council of the Victoria and Albert Museum, it has been arranged that the Exhibition shall remain open on its present site until the end of this year. No further extension of time will be possible because of the Museum's other commitments. I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, this will be the best way of providing an opportunity for the greatest number of people from all parts of the country to see the Exhibition.

Mr. Wyatt

In view of the great public interest shown in this Exhibition in London will the right hon. and learned Gentleman reconsider his decision so that people in other parts of the country, who simply cannot get to London, may have an opportunity of seeing the Exhibition as well?

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid that the expense, both in materials and labour, would not be justified.

Mr. Stephen

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider sending the Exhibition to either Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Sir S. Cripps

I have considered very carefully the question of sending it to Glasgow.

Major Tufton Beamish

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this Exhibition is described as the "Britain Can't Get It" Exhibition, and that much greater incentive to production would be provided if he would make more goods available to the home market?

Sir S. Cripps

I think it is only so described by the very ignorant.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

If provincial Members of Parliament were any good, would they not get up" Birmingham Can Make It" and "Glasgow Can Make It" exhibitions?