HC Deb 22 March 1956 vol 550 cc1445-6
15. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what official backing is to be given to exhibitors of British goods at the St. Erik's Fair, Stockholm, Sweden, and the International Fair at Posznan, Poland.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

We are considering the possibility of organising a display of British scientific instruments at the St. Erik's Fair, Stockholm, in co-operation with the manufacturers concerned. At the International Fair at Posznan an official from the British Embassy at Warsaw will be present to give advice to British exhibitors with whom we are discussing how best to co-ordinate the design of their stands and the décor of the British section.

Mr. Bottomley

Whilst thanking the President for taking more energetic action in the matter of trade fairs—thanks to the pressure from this side of the House—may I ask if he thinks it wise to allow just one section of British industry to be supported by the Board of Trade at the St. Erik's Fair, rather than having a wider representation with full Government backing?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I appreciate the real interest of the right hon. Member in this particular fair. This is a difficult question, but it does depend rather on what sections of British industry are prepared to exhibit. We may have this offer—it is not firm yet—from the instrument manufacturers, and I think we should make use of it.

Mr. Bottomley

I do not want to put forward the claims of the promoters of St. Erik's Fair, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for many years British industry was organised to participate in that exhibition? Will the President give further consideration to their proposals?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am prepared to give consideration to any proposals for a good exhibit, but whether a particular industry chooses to go into it is a matter for that industry.

Mr. Drayson

Is not one of the difficulties about the Posznan Fair the fact that the currency is linked to the rouble, which gives a totally artificial idea of value and involves British manufacturers in considerable expense?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, that is one of the difficulties in Posznan.