§ 2.39 p.m.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government who will be sponsoring and co-ordinating the British participation in the Brussels International Fair of 1958; and whether plans are now being laid to ensure that this country's contribution to the Fair reflects the greatest possible credit upon us.]
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have accepted the Belgian Government's invitation to participate in the Brussels Universal and International Exhibition of 1958–a project which they warmly welcome. The Central Office of Information will co-ordinate the British contribution to the Exhibition under the authority of my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary. Baron Moens de Fernig, who has the chief responsibility for the organisation of the Exhibition, recently visited London when both my right honourable friend and I had cordial conversations with him and were able to hear from him something of his plans. A Treasury grant has been promised and the Departments concerned are already actively considering the form of this country's contribution. An opportunity will certainly be given to industry to co-operate in the enterprise.