§ 67. Mr. Jannerasked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate has been made as to the increase in foreign visitors to this country which is likely to result from the holding of the great exhibition of 1951; and what arrangements it is proposed to make to ensure that accommodation will be available in time for this increased number of visitors.
§ Mr. BottomleyIt is difficult to make precise estimates of the increase in the number of visitors to this country likely to result directly from the 1951 Festival. Some increase would no doubt have taken place in any case. We think however that the total of overseas visitors may reach the 700,000 mark by 1951, as compared with just over 500,000 last year. Discussions concerning arrangements for the accommodation for visitors to the main Festival centres have already begun 13W between the Festival organisation, the British Tourist and Holidays Board and Government departments concerned.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Lord President of the Council in what way Commonwealth Governments and Administrations are to be invited to participate in the Great Exhibition of 1951.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonOwing to shortages of manpower and materials, the Festival of Britain, 1951, to which I take it my hon. Friend refers, has, unfortunately, had to be limited to putting on show the contribution of the United Kingdom to civilisation. It is not, therefore, possible to invite Commonwealth Governments and administrations to arrange for pavilions or other displays in the exhibitions. Commonwealth Governments have, however, been invited to arrange supporting events and to suggest ways in which, within the severe limits of space and materials imposed, the Festival might include suitable references to achievements in their countries.