§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many overseas trade fairs were supported by the British Overseas Trade Board in 1984; and how many he expects the British Overseas Trade Board to support in 1985 and 1986, respectively.
§ Mr. FletcherIn 1984 the BOTB provided assistance to groups of British exporters at 332 overseas trade fairs. As stated in the consultation document issued by the BOTB on 3 December 1984, which is available in the Library of the House, it is expected that the programme of events supported in 1985–86 may be reduced by perhaps 5 per cent. to 10 per cent.
The consultation document also included proposals about the use of BOTB funds for 1986–87. The board will 345W be considering the resources available for support at overseas trade fairs during that year in the light of the responses to the consultation document.