Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that it has been proposed to admit the general public to the British Industries Fair in 1926 and to permit the manufacturer exhibitors to sell their merchandise direct to the consumer, he is aware that traders view this proposition with alarm, as being contrary to the principles of trade and also to the legitimate interests of retail traders; and whether, considering that this fair is an institution promoted for the purpose of bringing manufacturers and trade buyers together, he will forthwith give an assurance that no manufacturer exhibitor at the fair will be allowed to sell goods to the public by retail sale?
Mr. SAMUELAs I have already stated, I have been in consultation with representatives of important retailers' associations in regard to the desire of996W certain exhibitors at; the British Industries Fair to be allowed to sell sample articles at retail prices to members of the general public from 5 to 8 p.m. and on the afternoon of the one Saturday which falls within the fair period. In view of the representations made to me I have now arranged that direct sales to the general public shall not be permitted except that in the food section and Empire section exhibitors who may desire to do 60, will be allowed to sell bona fide tasting samples at retail prices. The retailers' representatives whom I have consulted have expressed their full agreement with this arrangement, and I am assured that I can now count upon their co-operation for a successful fair.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MASONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the objection of the retail traders to the proposal to permit manufacturers to sell goods to the general public at the British Industries Fair, 1926; and if he will take steps to stop this proposal?
Mr. SAMUELAs I have already stated, I have been in consultation with representatives of important retailers' associations in regard to the desire of certain exhibitors at the British Industries Fair to be allowed to sell sample articles at retail prices to members of the general public from 5 to 8 p.m. and on the afternoon of the one Saturday which falls within the Fair period. In view of the representations made to me I have now arranged that direct sales to the general public shall not be permitted except that in the Food Section and Empire Section exhibitors who may desire to do so, will be allowed to sellbona fide tasting samples at retail prices. The retailors' representatives whom I have consulted have expressed their full agreement with this arrangement, and I am assured that I can now count upon their co-operation for a successful Fair.