§ 9. Mr. Hall-Davisasked the President of the Board of Trade when he will announce his decision about the establishment of a National Exhibition Centre.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody)I cannot at this stage add to what my right hon. Friend told the House on 12th June,—[Vol. 784, c. 1747–9.]
§ Mr. Hall-DavisDoes the Parliamentary Secretary recognise that the provision of a national exhibition centre would provide an opportunity for an architectural and design concept of world significance? Will the Minister refrain from authorising a go-ahead until he is satisfied that the opportunity can be taken in a way which will support the reputation of British design and workmanship?
§ Mrs. DunwoodyI think we are all in agreement that if we are to put up permanent buildings it is as well for 1701 them to be of a very high standard architecturally, and I am certainly in agreement with the hon. Member about this. We must examine the scheme in greater detail before we decide on the design.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinWill the Parliamentary Secretary accept that with all the difficulties, which we recognise, her reply is bound to be greeted with dismay by British industry? May we have an assurance that the Board of Trade is examining with great urgency the need for this national exhibition centre? Is it not rather sad that no progress has been made since the President of the Board of Trade made his speech in the debate last June?
§ Mrs. DunwoodyThe hon. Member is wrong. I did not say that there had been no progress. I said that there was nothing I could add at the present time. A private scheme from a private developer is being examined. It is very important that we should not go ahead with this decision until all the possibilities have been examined, because there are many aspects of this and many differing industries have an important state in what happens. We hope that something will be decided as soon as possible.