HC Deb 27 November 1957 vol 578 cc1155-6
39 Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that the full scope of British science, technology, trade and industry is adequately shown at the Brussels Universal Exhibition to be held next year.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

British science and technology are being given considerable prominence in the British Government pavilion which is being organised by the Central Office of Information on the Foreign Office's behalf. Her Majesty's Government will also be contributing a number of exhibits to the International Palace of Science. British trade and industry is organising its own representation through the Federation of British Industries and will be displaying many of the latest technological developments.

Mr. Palmer

Whilst appreciating the considerable efforts being made by British manufacturers privately, is it not a fact that unless the resources of the State are put behind the British part of the Exhibition, our representation will not be fair to the industrial resources of this country?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I do not think there is any danger of that. Her Majesty's Government have contributed no less than £400,000 already to the British part of the Exhibition, and I think the hon. Gentleman will find that it is worthy of industry in this country.