§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition will be held, including any off-site events; and on which days it will be open to(a) overseas customers, (b) the press and (c) the public. [19531]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 12 March 1997]: The 1997 Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition will beheld at Farnborough on 1 to 5 September and at Portsmouth naval base on 2 to 4 September. The exhibition will be open to overseas visitors every day. A press day is planned for 31 August. The exhibition is not open to the public.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost to public funds of the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition. [19532]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 12 March 1997]: The aim is that there should be no cost to public funds.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visitors are expected at the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition; and from which countries buyers will be invited. [19533]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 12 March 1997]: An estimated 30,000 people will visit the exhibition. Invitations are issued to representatives from countries with an interest in the legitimate purchase of defence equipment.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence who will be opening the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition. [19534]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 12 March 1997]: It has not yet been decided who will open the exhibition.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which non-United Kingdom companies will be exhibiting at the Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition. [19535]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 12 March 1997]: All exhibiting companies must be United Kingdom registered.