HC Deb 01 May 1951 vol 487 cc999-1001
47. Mr. Dodds

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give details of the advanced bookings for guaranteed admission to the South Bank Exhibition up to the last convenient date.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Stokes)

Firm bookings up to 25th April last totalled 1,040,072 and they have been continuing at an increasing rate since that date. Of this total, 393,000 have been sold by the South Bank Advance Ticket Office and 354,000 by British Railways. The number of sales to organised school parties included in the total is 325,000. So far, bookings are heaviest for May and June, and certain Saturdays are substantially sold out. There are still plenty of tickets for most other days, including Sundays.

48. Mr. Dodds

asked the Lord Privy Seal if all exhibits in the South Bank Exhibition will be completed in time for the official opening on 4th May.

Mr. Stokes

Yes, Sir. All but a few minor exhibits will be in position and the displays substantially complete.

Mr. Dodds

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the records show that no previous world exhibition has been ready on opening day, and do not those responsible for the creation of the South Bank Exhibition deserve every congratulation?

Mr. Stokes

I am obliged to my hon. Friend. So far as I know, the South Bank show is more nearly complete than any other exhibition in my experience, and great credit reflects on all those connected with it.

52. Mr. John Tilney

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements have been made for cleaning the South Bank Exhibition.

Mr. Stokes

The cleaning of the grounds of the South Bank Exhibition will be done by staff directly employed by the Festival Office, who will also do minor external cleaning to structures. Arrangements will be made as required for major external cleaning to structures. A contract has been placed for window-cleaning, and a separate contract for the general internal cleaning. In addition, a number of the exhibits will require specialist treatment, and arrangements are being made to ensure that the services of specialists are available.

56. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Lord Privy Seal what quantity of steel he has authorised for use in connection with the South Bank Exhibition of the Festival of Britain.

Mr. Stokes

I have nothing to add to what I told the hon. Member in reply to this Question last week.

Sir J. Mellor

As the right hon. Gentleman told me nothing whatsoever, can we know when we can get a statement of the total amount of steel which has been used on the South Bank Exhibition?

Mr. Stokes

I told the hon. Member I could not devote staff to go into the analysis he required. If he wants figures for the South Bank only, I shall be pleased to give them.

Sir J. Mellor

This Question relates to the South Bank.

Mr. Stokes

If the hon. Member will read his own Question, he will see that it does not—[HON. MEMBERS: "It does."] I apologise to the hon. Member; as put on my brief, it does not. I am very glad to give the figures for the South Bank Exhibition: 195 tons of sheet steel and 3,765 tons of other steel, all of which was given after steel came off the ration, since May, 1950.

Sir J. Mellor

Did the Minister of Supply authorise this quantity to be used?

Mr. Stokes

It was not necessary except for the first 195 tons authorised, as the subsequent issue of requirements came at a time when steel was no longer controlled.