§ 56. Sir G. Nabarroasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of agricultural exports in 1969; what special arrangements will he made for agricultural exhibits and agricultural machinery at the proposed National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham; and what steps he is taking to increase agricultural exports in 1970–71.
§ Mr. MasonThe proposed National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham will have full facilities for the exhibition of agricultural produce and machinery and supplies, the exports of which in 1969 were valued at £207 million and £192 million respectively. In addition to the many and widely-used forms of Government assistance to exporters, agricultural exporters should benefit from the grants made specifically to assist in this field to the British Agricultural Export Council.
§ Sir G. NabarroWill the right hon. Gentleman apply himself particularly to agricultural machinery exports, which valued a record of £154 million in 1969, of which £120 million comprised tractors, in which we lead the world? As this machinery requires a great deal of space for exhibition purposes, will he ensure that his Department allots several acres on the Birmingham site to allow adequate demonstrations for all overseas customers?
§ Mr. MasonI will certainly keep in mind what the hon. Gentleman says when the arrangements for the proposed site become firmer.