HC Deb 26 November 1969 vol 792 cc414-6
23. Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to reach a conclusion regarding the national exhibition centre.

24. Mr. Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by the committee set up by his Department to examine the possibilities of establishing a national exhibition centre in this country; and if he will make a statement.

65. Mr. Speed

asked the President of the Board of Trade when his Department will make a final decision on the proposals for a national exhibition centre now under consideration.

Mr. Mason

I am aware of the urgency of this problem and I will announce my decision at the earliest possible moment. To this end the Steering Committee set up under my noble Friend the Minister of State to consider the national exhibition centre met last week at my request to review urgently the latest proposals.

Mr. Baker

As this has been going on for ten years, might I press the President of the Board of Trade to reach a rapid decision? In the building of the exhibition centre could we have proper international conference facilities? While this is being considered, could I press upon the right hon. Gentleman the advantages of having the centre at Northolt, which is not only close to my constituency but is on the edge of the greatest airport of the greatest city in Western Europe?

Mr. Mason

I think it is an urgent matter. It has been hanging fire since 1958, and I intend to deal with it urgently.

Mr. Milne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a quick decision on this will benefit not only the South but the North-East and the other development districts? Is he aware that in reply to an Adjournment debate on 12th February his hon. Friend told me that this matter would not just be noted but would be actively considered, and that those concerned would get on with the job?

Mr. Mason

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Speed

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are powerful and compelling arguments for siting the centre in the Midlands, subject to certain safeguards? Would he not agree that it is much healthier that we should have a full and factual statement as soon as possible rather than constant leaks in the Press?

Mr. Mason

Yes. I have one proposal before me, and only one, which is receiv- ing my urgent consideration. The hon. Gentleman is aware of it. I have no equivalent proposal before me to compare with it. This is the proposal for a possible site in Birmingham, and it is the one to which I am now applying my mind.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

In reaching his decision, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great and increasing congestion in the London area, and the availability in the Midlands of a site at the heart of a national communications system by road, rail and air?

Mr. Mason

Yes. The right hon. Gentleman is making a good case for the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham City Council.

Mr. Julius Silverman

May I press the case of the Birmingham lobby on this? Might I ask the Minister, before he finally comes to a decision, to bear in mind the peculiar and particular advantages of the site already suggested, which has very good rail and air links and is already in the centre of the industrial Midlands?

Mr. Mason

Communications will be particularly important, and I am certainly taking note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Sir K. Joseph

Since the right hon. Gentleman has been asked so strongly to consider Birmingham, will he bear in mind the importance of carrying with him in his decision the majority of the national exhibitors, and industry as a whole? Would he also bear in mind the importance of securing proper hotel arrangements for visitors?

Mr. Mason

The Birmingham proposal, of course, includes the building of a new hotel. As for exhibitors, if this did go to the Midlands it would be likely that their rates would be cheaper because the acquisition of land would be cheaper. The building would consequently go up much quicker than down here. As a result I would have thought that exhibitors would quickly accept that it is a good area in which to exhibit.