§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support his Department is giving to the organisers of this year's Farnborough Airshow; and what assistance his Department is providing to enable overseas visitors to attend the show. [127876]
§ Mr. SpellarIn support of the Government's commitment to a strong UK defence industry, my Department undertakes a broad range of activities in support of The Society of British Aerospace Companies' organisation of this prestigious show to help ensure its continued position as one of the world's premier aerospace exhibitions. Normal marketing support to UK exhibitors is provided by the Defence Export Services Organisation, and other assistance ranges from providing the exhibition site, airfield support services and facilities, through to helping the organisers ensure the maximum exposure of UK products to potential customers by supporting official inward missions.