British Industries Fair (Future)

HC Deb 28 January 1958 vol 581 c183

13. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the future of the British Industries Fair.

Sir D. Eccles

I would refer the hon. Member to the statements by the Board of Trade and the Federation of British Industries which were published in the Board of Trade Journal for 20th December. I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Irving

In view of the fact that this decision will mean the end of the British Industries Fair, the House will regret it, at a time when British industry so urgently needs a national shop window. Since one of the reasons given, in coming to that decision, was a lack of national leadership, when does the right hon. Gentleman propose to give such leadership?

Sir D. Eccles

National leadership in this case means a large subsidy, and, in my opinion, when there are 105 out of 109 trade associations against a fair, it is not much good giving this leadership.