Mr. COLLINSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any professional or expert entertainment caterers or showmen have been consulted as to the wisdom and practicability of charging 1s. 6d. admission to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley instead of the customary price of 1s.?
§ Mr. LUNNI am informed that the charge of 1s. 6d. for admission to the British Empire Exhibition was approved by expert showmen and caterers and others who were consulted on the matter. Although the charge is higher than that usually made before the War, it compares favourably with current prices of admission to exhibitions held in London.
§ Mr. BAKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists over the method by which monopolies have been granted to various firms for the Wembley Exhibition and over the manner in which such monopolies are being exercised; and whether, in view of the experience of past exhibitions, both in this country and abroad, and in view of the financial relationship of the Government to the exhibition, he will take steps to secure the publication of a full report of the circumstances and, if necessary, take action with a view to ensuring that no profiteering shall take place?
§ Mr. LUNNThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am informed by the Exhibition authorities that all concessions have been open to tender, and that reasonable precautions to safeguard the interests of exhibitors and to prevent profiteering are1964W taken by means of special Clauses in contracts made with concessionnaires. In the circumstances, I do not think it is necessary to take action on the lines indicated in the question.