HC Deb 01 July 1985 vol 82 cc4-5W
Dr. Mawhinney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many activities have so far been held under the "Britain Means Business" campaign; where and when they were held; by whom they were sponsored; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

The "British Means Business" campaign was launched on 1 April 1985 and a series of activities will take place to the end of 1985. These include overseas 'Briefing on Britain' seminars, visits to the United kingdom by United States and Japanese journalists and the publication of a quarterly magazine directed at prospective investors overseas.

There have been two 'Briefing on Britain' events held so far. Th first was held in Tokyo on 4 June and was co-sponsored by Midland Bank plc and Price Waterhouse & Co. The second event was held in Hartford, Connecticut on 26 June and was co-sponsored by the National Westminster Bank plc. Ministers were the principal speakers at both events. The Peterborough Development Corporation has held a successful seminar in Boston, on 19 June, using the "Britain Means Business" logo.

Three United States and four Japanese journalists have also visited the United Kingdom and two of the quarterly magazines have been published.

It is still relatively early days in the campaign's programme of events. I and the co-sponsors have been very pleased by the size and quality of the audiences attending the seminars held so far and by the interest which has been shown in investing in the United Kingdom. The "Britain Means Business" events play an important part in realising the campaign's objective of achieving maximum success and benefit for the United Kingdom by coordinating promotional efforts of the relevant public sector inward investment bodies and the private sector to project an effective, united image of Britain overseas.

Dr. Mawhinney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money he has made available to "Britain Means Business"; and for how long.

Mr. Trippier

My Department has allocated £1 million, additional to the Invest in Britain bureau's normal promotional budget for 1985–86, to the "Britain Means Business" campaign. Substantial contributions to the campaign, both 'in kind' and financial, are being made by the territorial and regional promotional organisations and the private sector.

The campaign began on 1 April 1985 and will run to the end of the calendar year.