HC Deb 09 February 1995 vol 254 cc413-4W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from which countries buyers have been, or will be, invited to the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition.

Mr. Freeman

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to release details of invitations issued to attend British forces equipment exhibitions. Invitations are issued on a confidential basis and it would be a breach of trust to release details.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition will be held; and on which days it will be open to(a) overseas customers, (b) the press and (c) the public.

Mr. Freeman

The Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition will be held at Pegasus Village, Aldershot, with daily ships visits to Portmouth, from 3 to 10 September 1995. The exhibition will be open to overseas visitors from 4 to 8 September, to the national press on 3 September only, and to the trade press for the whole week. The exhibition is not open to the public. Trade visitors are admitted on 7 and 8 September.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who will be opening the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition.

Mr. Freeman

As with the previous Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition, the opening ceremony is expected to be performed at ministerial level.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition.

Mr. Freeman

The cost of the exhibition will not be available until the list of participants has been finalised. There will, however, be no direct cost to the MOD since this will be covered by participating companies.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which categories of guests will be invited to the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition.

Mr. Freeman

Invitations to attend the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition are extended to appropriate overseas Government officials and industrialists, members of the United Kingdom national and technical press and British representatives from the trade.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visitors are expected at the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition.

Mr. Freeman

Based on the attendance at the previous Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition, between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors are expected to attend.