§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what support will be given to non-core events under trade fair support schemes rules which take place from 1 April until March 1999; and if he will make a statement. [21590]
§ Mr. NelsonI refer the hon. Member to the answers given to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Waller) on 17 January 1997,Official Report, columns 392–93, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough on 11 February 1997, Official Report, column 124, when I announced that my Department would offer grants for 300 trade fairs and that my intention is to make all support for the trade fairs after this round available through the sector challenge. All these events are due to take place after 1 April 1997 and before 31 March 1999. During that period there will additionally be those events support for which had already been announced prior to those answers. Details of the supported events can be found in the "Overseas Promotions Guide and Supplementary List" deposited in the Library of the House.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to ensure that a proportion of the sector challenge budget be allocated for trade fairs; and if he will make a statement. [21589]
§ Mr. NelsonI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the member for Keighley (Mr. Waller) on 17 January 1997,Official Report columns 392–93, when I said that I would be reviewing the way we support trade fairs after the first sector challenge. The results of the first challenge will have to be decided upon by the Government after the forthcoming general election.