§ Mr. BakerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what sum her Department has provided to help fund the Minerals '98 Conference; and on what basis this money was provided. [30605]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 23 February 1998]: The non-energy minerals sector is worth £2 billion a year. The Minerals '98 programme will demonstrate the vital role of this sector in the economy and encourage debate on achieving a sustainable UK minerals industry.
We are providing a grant of up to £64,000 to support the comprehensive programme of activities which constitutes Minerals '98.