HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc14-5
20. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Exhibitions Advisory Committee was consulted before it was decided to close the London section of the British Industries Fair.

Mr. Low

There was full consultation with the Directors of British Industries Fair Ltd., who are experienced businessmen and whose Chairman is a member of the Exhibitions Advisory Committee; but there was no consultation with the Committee.

Mr. Bottomley

Is it not unfortunate, in view of the valuable services rendered by this Exhibitions Advisory Committee to the Board of Trade over many years, that its advice was not sought? Would the Minister take steps to find out the Committee's views on the subject?

Mr. Low

I do not think that is necessary. We are well aware of the views of industry, because they have been expressed upon this matter. As a large sum of finance was involved and an early decision was important, it seemed to us right that we should take the responsibility for the decision ourselves, after consultation with the gentlemen to whom I have referred.

21 and 22. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many exhibitors there were at the Birmingham section of the British Industries Fair for 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, and 1955;

(2) how many exhibitors there were at the London section of the British Industries Fair in 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, and 1955.

Mr. Low

As the Answer contains several figures I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Bottomley

In view of the fact that the general manager of the British Industries Fair, London section, says that the number of exhibitors is on the increase, how was it that the President of the Board of Trade, in making his original statement, said that the number of exhibitors was declining?

Mr. Low

There has been a large decline in the number of exhibitors in the London section since 1947. In fact, the decline started from the next year, 1948, onwards, and has been steady ever since then.

Following is the Answer:

Year Exhibitors at the Birmingham section (These figures were provided by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce who are responsible for the Birmingham section of the Fair) Exhibitors at the London section
Number Number
1947 1,012 2,153
1948 1,091 2,309
1949 1,104 2,040
1950 1,139 1,781
1951 1,140 1,640
1952 1,172 1,220
1953 1,128 1,184
1954 986 1,010*
1955 979 600
* In 1954, 318 of the firms exhibiting only took display windows and not complete stands.