HC Deb 02 May 1950 vol 474 cc1569-70
45. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Lord President of the Council what charge it is proposed to make to those visiting H.M.S. " Campania " carrying the sea-borne exhibition organised by the Festival of Britain Council.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

No decision has yet been made on this point.

Sir W. Wakefield

Can the Lord President say whether, in making a decision, account will be taken of the possibility of trying to recover some of the cost of the operation of this ship, and also the initial cost of equipping it?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is this ship going to wear the White Ensign during its Festival cruise, and if so, is it not contrary to general custom to make a charge to go on board?

Mr. Morrison

It is going to wear the Red Ensign.

Mr. Snow

In view of the friendly questions of the Opposition and while hoping that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition enjoyed his morning, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend will draw the attention of the Director-General of the Festival to the need to provide Members of Parliament of all parties with as much documentary information as possible about the ramifications of the Festival outside the Metropolitan area?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, I will convey that request.

46. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the cost of conversion amounting to £500,000, he will consider arranging for H.M.S. " Campania," carrying the seaborne exhibition organised by the Festival of Britain Council, to visit foreign, Dominion and Colonial ports.

Mr. H. Morrison

I will consider with my colleagues concerned the practicability of the hon. Member's suggestion that this exhibition. might visit overseas ports. I may add that the £500,000 includes not only conversion but the running cost of the sea-borne exhibition.