§ 25. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology by whom his Department was represented at the Hanover Industrial Fair; and what part his Department will play in furthering new technology arising therefrom.
§ Mr. StonehouseI visited the fair, accompanied by senior officials of the Department. I am of course concerned to see our industry exploiting any new technological developments which show promise of economic application, and the Department is ready to help in all appropriate ways.
§ Mr. EadieDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is not just reading technical journals that can give us new ideas in technology, but that visiting such industrial fairs can help us to see at first hand the new ideas that are produced?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe are very much in favour of our firms participating in the fair. I was very glad while there to see that over 150 United Kingdom firms had participated, and I am quite sure that they all gained a great deal of advantage from that participation.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeIs the Minister aware that one of the greatest services he could render British firms who exhibit at such fairs would be to put pressure on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to alter the close company rule?
§ Mr. StonehouseI am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will take note of that point.