HL Deb 05 August 1947 vol 151 cc939-40
LORD ROCHDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government why British manufacturers are so poorly represented in the "Popular Fair" at present being held in Lisbon.]

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, decision to participate in overseas exhibitions and fairs rests with industrial organizations and firms. They are guided by their estimate of the potential effect on their trade. It can therefore be assumed that United Kingdom industrialists are not convinced of the value of this particular Fair for the sale of their goods.

LORD ROCHDALE

I should like to thank the noble Lord for his reply and to ask him whether, in view of the importance of our export trade, the Government would earnestly consider giving such practical assistance as is possible to firms who are in any doubt about exhibiting either at this Fair or at any other similar overseas fair.

LORD CHORLEY

My right honourable friend is always only too anxious to give such assistance as lies in his power to any firm in connexion with efforts to exhibit British goods overseas.