HC Deb 21 October 1946 vol 427 cc289-90W
99. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of catalogues which are available each day at the "Britain Can Make It" Exhibition; and, in view of the large number of visitors and the fact that only by referring to catalogues are buyers able to find out the manufacturers of the exhibits, if he is satisfied that the supply of catalogues is adequate.

Sir S. Cripps

I very much regret that owing to printing difficulties there was a temporary shortage of catalogues between 3rd and 16th October. During this period all available catalogues were reserved for buyers, whose requests were met in full, but none was available for the general public. New supplies were received on the 16th October and sales to the public were resumed. From today, 10,000 catalogues are being received daily from the printers. This will suffice to meet future demands.

105. Mr. Murray

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many hon. Members of this House are desirous of visiting the exhibition "Britain Can Make It"; and, to avoid long delays in obtaining admission, if he will arrange a suitable time and day for hon. Members to attend.

Sir S. Cripps

Arrangements have been made to enable hon. Members to obtain tickets for the "Britain Can Make It" Exhibition from Mr. Speaker's Secretary's office. It has been necessary to limit the number of tickets to two for each Member. These tickets are valid for one visit only, but may be used on any day. They will admit hon. Members to the exhibition ahead of the queue during the hours when it is open to the public. I hope that this arrangement will meet the convenience of hon. Members. I have, however, asked the Council of Industrial Design, who are responsible for the exhibition, to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion that a special time should be set aside for visits to the exhibition by hon. Members.

Commander Maitland

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of catalogues at the "Britain Can Make It" Exhibition; and whether, in view of public interest in this exhibition both inside and outside this country, he will either take steps to ensure that more catalogues are available or to increase considerably the details on the printed labels describing the exhibits.

Sir S. Cripps

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I have given today to the hon. Member for Marylebone (Sir W. Wakefield).