§ 48. Mr. H. A. Priceasked the Lord President of the Council what estimate has been made of the total cost of the Festival of Britain; what is the estimated value of tourist trade for the year 1949; and by what amount is it estimated this figure will be exceeded, as a result of the Festival, during 1951.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe total net cost of the Festival of Britain is to be not more than £9 million. The estimated expenditure by tourists in this country for the year 1949 was £43.2 million and for 1951 it is hoped that the value will reach the £60 million mark. It is not possible to estimate how much of the increase could be attributed to the Festival of Britain.
§ 49. Commander Nobleasked the Lord President of the Council by whom will H.M.S. " Campania " be manned during the Festival of Britain; and under what flag.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe " Campania " will be manned by Merchant Service officers and crew. As I told the House in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Bristol, North-West (Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite) on 2nd May, she will wear the Red Ensign.
§ Commander NobleCan the Lord President say whether the ship is being manned by a certain line?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am informed that Messrs. Furness Withy and Co., Ltd., have been appointed as managers.
§ 51. Mr. Jannerasked the Lord President of the Council what publicity is to be given in overseas countries about the 1896 Festival of Britain and extending an invitation to all residents.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe British Travel and Holidays Association, which conducts a world-wide publicity campaign to attract visitors to this country, is giving due emphasis in all publicity media to the Festival of Britain, 1951. In addition, the Festival Office is itself publicising overseas the whole Festival programme. These two campaigns are being closely co-ordinated in order to ensure that there is no duplication of effort.
Press advertising, folders, pamphlets and posters, besides information issued through normal channels to the overseas Press, will publicise Festival events in overseas countries. The Overseas Service of the B.B.C. are also carrying information about the Festival in their programmes, and I am myself shortly recording a brief description of the Festival for the British Council for transmission from overseas stations.
§ Mr. Henry StraussWhich of these agencies, advertising abroad, has advertised in America, " The food you get on British Railways will astonish you "?