§ 2. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reconsider the decision of his predecessor 1012 to withdraw the Government grant from the British Industries Fair; and whether, in consultation with the main industrial organisations concerned, he will reallocate the money formerly spent on publicity for the Fair to the encouragement of greatly improved exhibits, in particular of textiles, pottery and man-made fibre materials.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir. I think that this money could be better spent on showing British goods in trade fairs abroad.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWill not the President of the Board of Trade reconsider that reply? Does he not agree that our export industries have made a great contribution towards the solution of our economic difficulties? If so, do they not deserve some encouragement, especially the pottery and man-made fibre industries?
§ Sir D. EcclesI certainly agree, but it is their view also that, with the limited resources, it is better to exhibit abroad rather than here.