HC Deb 15 February 1999 vol 325 cc484-5W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which days the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition will be open to(a) overseas customers, (b) the Press and (c) the public. [70386]

Mr. Doug Henderson

I understand from the organisers that they are planning a press afternoon on 13 September 1999. The exhibition will be open to overseas customers and the press from 14 September, when it formally opens, until its closing date on 17 September 1999. The exhibition will not be open to the public.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries from which buyers will be invited to the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition being held in Chertsey and London Docklands from 14 to 17 September. [70385]

Mr. Doug Henderson

We are still considering the list of countries to be invited. We expect to invite delegations from about 50 countries.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if hon. Members will be invited to attend the forthcoming Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70390]

Mr. Doug Henderson

Other than official invitations to foreign delegations, the issue of invitations is a matter for the exhibition organisers, Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd. However, MOD officials intend to discuss with them plans for inviting hon. Members to the exhibition.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who will be opening the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70389]

Mr. Doug Henderson

On current plans, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will open the exhibition.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visitors are expected at the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70388]

Mr. Doug Henderson

The Defence Systems and Equipment Exhibition is the first in a new series of international exhibitions to be run in the UK. It will be organised by a private company, Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd. Spearhead estimate attendance at this year's exhibition will be in the order of 20,000 visitors.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which ships from(a) the Royal Navy and (b) overseas navies will be participating in the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [70391]

Mr. Doug Henderson

Subject to operational constraints, we hope to have two Royal Navy ships, a Type 23 Frigate and a Sandown Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel, at the exhibition. I understand that the exhibition organisers have extended invitations to a number of navies around the world to send vessels.