§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the benefits to British business of the global technology partnership conference in Birmingham, 23 to 25 March.
§ Mr. EggarI have been asked to reply.
The United Kingdom's global technology partnership conference aimed to encourage greater technology co-operation between businesses in the United Kingdom and those in the more industrialised developing countries. Representatives of British business had the opportunity to establish contact with key business men and women from over 40 different developing countries, to learn of their local needs and difficulties and to offer solutions. The conference also discussed sources of help and funding available to United Kingdom and developing country businesses to assist technology co-operation. It generated 680W much interest overseas and created opportunities for business follow-up. This should be facilitated through the three year follow-on initiative.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many companies from(a) Wales,(b) England,(c)Northern Ireland,(d) Scotland,(e) other nations of the European Community and(f)other nations outside the European Community were represented at the global technology partnership conference in Birmingham, from 23 to 25 March; what revenues were raised from the participation of these companies; and what benefits accrued from their attendance.
§ Mr. EggarI have been asked to reply.
Representatives of companies from all areas of the United Kingdom were invited to the United Kingdom's global technology partnership conference. In addition, key individuals from businesses in 44 developing countries were invited.
There were 189 participants from the United Kingdom, including speaker/participants. Most were present for the three days of the conference, although a number exercised the option to attend for one day only. There were three participants from Wales, 178 from England, one from Northern Ireland and seven from Scotland. A total of 106 key business men and women attended from non-EC countries overseas. In addition, there were four speakers from EC member states.
Revenue raised from these delegates was approximately £26,000 with further sums raised through industrial sponsorship.
There are both potential commercial and environmental benefits for all businesses involved. United Kingdom participants were able to learn first hand of the environmental problems faced by businesses in developing countries and to discuss the solutions available in the United Kingdom. The conference also discussed sources of help and funding available to United Kingdom and developing country businesses to assist technology co-operation.