2. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he 1409 will seek powers to control restrictive practices by the organisers of international exhibitions in this country.
§ Mr. DellI understand that the Question arises out of applications for space at commercially organised exhibitions. We are not satisfied that there is any case for legislation in this field.
Mr. Gresham CookeDoes the hon. Gentleman recall the Labex International Exhibition at Earls Court in March when a constituent of mine making scientific equipment, Silver and Sons Ltd., of Hampton, owing to some dispute was not able to exhibit, although the firm had an excellent export trade? Was not that a restraint on trade?
§ Mr. DellI am aware of this case, about which the hon. Gentleman has had correspondence with my Department. I have examined it fully and I am satisfied that there is no cause for me to intervene; nor are there any grounds on which I could reasonably do so. These are matters for the commercial decision of the commercial undertakers of these exhibitions.