§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list (i) the companies involved in and (ii) the locations of trade fairs or exhibitions(a) supported and (b) organised by her Department in 1996–97. [36189]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 26 March 1998]In 1996–97 there were 8,972 participants from UK firms and organisations at 342 trade fairs and exhibitions throughout the world under the terms of the Trade Fair Support Scheme (TFSS). Lists of participants and events have been deposited in the Library of the House. Details of which participants were subsidised are commercially confidential. The TFSS is open to all UK companies; Scottish Trade International, the Welsh Office and the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland offer support under different terms.
In addition at least 173 companies have benefited from DTI support under other schemes. Full information is available in the Library of the House.