HC Deb 18 July 1957 vol 573 cc1334-5
41. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the advice given to him by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, he will make a statement on the future of the British Industries Fair and on the possibility of organising an international trade fair in Great Britain.

Sir D. Eccles

I told the deputations from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce that the future of this fair depends largely on the attitude of British industry towards an international fair in this country. The President of the Federation of British Industries agreed to sound his members on such a proposal. I am now waiting for this advice.

Mr. Irving

In considering the whole question of the future of the international trade fair, would the President bear in mind—and members of the Chamber of Commerce bear in mind—the need to associate the Colonies and the Commonwealth in this sort of enterprise?

Sir D. Eccles

I think that it probably is right that the fair, if it is to go on, must have an international character and therefore the Colonies and the Commonwealth would be associated with it; but I really must wait to get support from industry if the fair is to be continued.