HC Deb 27 May 1952 vol 501 cc1149-50
42. Mr. Hoy

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total area of floor space available to exhibitors at the British Industries Fair; and how much was taken up.

Mr. H. Strauss

It is estimated that the total space available at this year's British Industries Fair was about 1,050,000 square feet. The total space let to exhibitors was 921,500 square feet.

Mr. Hoy

Could the Minister tell us how this compares with the position in the previous year? Are not these figures very different from the answer given by the hon. and learned Gentleman in reply to a Question last week?

Mr. Strauss

I will deal with the second part of the question first. My impression is that in my answer last week I said I should like to have notice of the question. On the main supplementary, it is true that the figures are down on last year. As the hon. Gentleman may be aware, one of the main causes of that is that certain industries make their main effort in alternate years. This is one of the chief reasons for the fluctuation.

Mr. Hoy

Since the figures are somewhat different from those which the Minister gave us last week, and in view of the fact that his right hon. Friend also misled the House over the number of people employed within the Board of Trade, could we have an assurance that the Board of Trade will be a little more clear and specific about the answers they are giving?

Mr. Strauss

I think the hon. Gentleman is, contrary to his usual custom, being unfair in this. I gave no figures at all in my own answer to which he referred, but in response to his right hon. Friend I said that, while I should need notice of the question, I thought the space had substantially all been taken. I gave no inaccurate figures.