§ Mr. HAYESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether preference will be given to ex-service actors in connection with all plays or entertainments given at the British Empire Exhibition; and whether ex-service men will be employed in all military pageants?
§ Mr. LUNNI am informed by the British Empire Exhibition Authorities that no plays will be given at the Exhibition, but I am asking that special consideration shall be given to the claims of ex-service actors in connection with any entertainments in which their services could be suitably utilised. With regard to the second part of the question, a series of massed band concerts will be performed my military bands, and members of His Majesty's Forces will take part in a torchlight tattoo. Troops will also be employed in the Pageant of Empire, but I should explain that the large majority of performers will be volunteers.
§ Mr. HAYESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it has been decided that none but British subjects will be engaged in any capacity in connection with the British Empire Exhibition?
§ Mr. LUNNI beg to refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 4th March in answer to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth).
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether a contract for all chairs required for the British Empire Exhibition has been placed with an Austrian firm?
§ Mr. LUNNThe answer is in the negative. I am informed that all chairs for which contracts have been placed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities will be of British manufacture.