§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)My honourable friend the Minister for Trade and Investment (Douglas Alexander) has made the following Written Statement.
Details of UK Trade & Investment's £16 million programme of support for UK company participation in supported groups at overseas exhibitions, seminars and 18WS sector-focused outward missions will be placed in the Library of the House. Accredited trade organisations that bid for support to arrange groups are being informed.
These overseas exhibitions, seminars and sector-focused outward missions continue to be an important component of trade development work worldwide. UK Trade & Investment recognises that accredited trade organisations need the flexibility to react to changing international events and opportunities. The operation of the programme during the 2005–06 financial year will continue to provide this flexibility, within the constraints imposed by the overall budget provision, and the need for prudent budget management and efficient administration.