HC Deb 28 January 1948 vol 446 cc1013-4
64. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food on what grounds he has given permission for a banquet of 450 jewellers and their guests in Birmingham on 13th March.

Dr. Summerskill

A licence was granted to the British jewellers Association because the object of the function is to promote export trade in which nearly all their members are engaged.

Mr. Keeling

As the hon. Lady has given as the reason for the Order limiting the number of diners to 100 the psychological reactions or irritation of the housewife who does not go to public dinners, will she say why she thinks the reaction of housewives to a dinner of 450 jewellers is likely to be any less peevish than to a dinner for 450 Territorials or ex-Service men?

Dr. Summerskill

Certainly, Sir. The psychological reactions of the housewives will be very good, because they know that we shall be increasing exports and thereby increasing the income of dollars which can be exchanged into meat, dairy produce and fats.

Sir Patrick Hannon

Is not this a great historic occasion in the social life of Birmingham in which the wisdom of Birmingham is diffused for the benefit of the rest of the world.

Mr. Speaker

We had better get on.