HC Deb 20 March 1961 vol 637 c19
50. Mr. Small

asked the Lord Privy Seal why the Government have decided not to exhibit at the New York World Fair in 1964–65.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)

Her Majesty's Government are complying with a resolution of the International Exhibitions Bureau calling upon signatories of the 1928 International Exhibitions Convention to refrain from participating in the New York World Fair. The Bureau found that the timing and duration of this Fair failed to conform to the Convention. Her Majesty's Government will, on the other hand, exhibit at the Seattle Century 21 Exhibition in 1962. This exhibition was cleared by the International Exhibitions Bureau for participation by signatories of the Convention.

Mr. Small

Is the Minister aware that I originally put down the Question to the Board of Trade and that it was transferred to his Ministry? In these days when the emphasis is on the need for more exports and new agencies for the purpose are being planned, does the Minister believe that his Ministry is the best Department for dealing with a question of this kind?

Mr. Heath

This is a Question about the reason why we decided not to exhibit, and as it covers the Convention, it is a Foreign Office matter. I think that my explanation shows why the decision was taken.