§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade what assistance his Department gives to British exporters who wish to exhibit at international exhibitions.
§ Mr. MeacherUnder schemes administered by the British Overseas Trade Board exporters are provided at favourable rates with space and stand at international exhibitions overseas. Outside Western Europe financial assistance is also given towards the travel costs of two representatives per firm and towards the costs of returning unsold exhibits. The Board expects to support around 7,000 firms at over 400 exhibitions overseas during the current financial year, which is far more than any other of our major overseas competitors.