§ Mr. HANNONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department to what cause he attributes the loss of £1,822 on the British Industries Fair in 1923; and whether he can state the results for this year?
§ Mr. LUNNThe rents charged to exhibitors for space at the British Industries Fair were reduced after 1922 in the anticipation that the number of firms participating would be sufficient to furnish the sum necessary to cover the total cost. The amount of space occupied, however,1918W fell below anticipation and a loss of £1,822 was incurred in 1923. The accounts for the 1924 Fair have not yet been completed, but it is estimated that a total loss of between £4,000 and £5,000 may be incurred. This loss is due largely to the holding of the British Empire Exhibition, at which many firms who normally exhibit at the Fair are also taking part, and also to an increase in the charge made to the Department of Overseas Trade for the hire of buildings, owing to the alteration of the date of the Fair from February to April-May.