HC Deb 02 December 1965 vol 721 cc1617-8
22. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is his policy to increase United Kingdom participation in trade fairs overseas.

Mr. Jay

Yes, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, West (Mr. Alan Williams) yesterday.

Mr. Campbell

Does the available evidence show a direct relationship between increased efforts at fairs and exhibitions abroad and improved exports?

Mr. Jay

Yes. There is increasing evidence to this effect, but it is sometimes difficult to judge. We are, however, applying all the tests we can, and so far they are pretty encouraging.

Mr. Snow

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he might well be advised to consider employing a psychologist for these fairs? At the recent successful Tokyo exhibition, the Japanese showed surprise at the exhibition of British bulldogs and Lord Montague's antique cars, which did not illustrate much evidence of British exporting prowess.

Mr. Jay

I did not notice those exhibits, but I did notice the exhibit of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.