HC Deb 10 March 1959 vol 601 cc1051-2
7. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the West Indies Permanent Exhibition was opened in Bruton Street; how many people have visited it since that date; and what steps he is taking to prepare a traveling exhibition on the same lines which would be available to schools in this country.

Mr. J. Amery

The Exhibition is the responsibility of the Commissioner for the West Indies, British Guiana and British Honduras. It was opened on 19th January, but no count has been kept of the numerous visitors. I understand that the Commissioner has no present plans for a travelling exhibition on these lines.

An Exhibition on the British Caribbean produced by the Commonwealth Institute has, with the co-operation of the Central Office of Information, been touring the United Kingdom since January, 1957.

Mr. Hall

Does not my hon. Friend agree that this Exhibition, though small, is very interesting and deserves the widest possible audience? In view of the lamentable ignorance about the British Commonwealth throughout the country, will he do his best to encourage the sponsoring and development of travelling exhibitions such as I have mentioned in my Question?

Mr. Amery

In answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I have done my best to encourage the exhibition by attending its inauguration. I entirely agree with the second part of his supplementary question.