§ Mr. J. GARDNERasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the number of firms which have so far decided to participate in the textile section of the British Industries Fair, 1932; the number of those exhibiting in 1931 who have not hitherto expressed their intention to do so in 1932; and what steps are contemplated to make this section more representative of the industry?
Sir H. YOUNGThe total number of firms who participated in the cottontextile section of the British Industries Fair, 1931, at the White City was 116. 1101W There were 69 further firms in the textile and clothing section at Olympia; of these firms 79 at the White City and 50 at Olympia have not yet applied for space for the coming fair. Allotments of space have been made to 119 representative textile exhibitors, of whom 63 are new exhibitors. In view of the fact that only some 10 per cent. of the total available space at the White City is still unlet, and of the high standing of the firms who have taken space, I do not feel that any special steps are necessary.