asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to ensure that Britain is adequately represented at the forthcoming Damascus Trade Fair

:In accordance with normal practice, the Damascus Fair has been brought to the attention of British industry and I understand that a number of firms intend to exhibit. The question of Government participation is under consideration.

:May I ask the Minister if he will give this matter favourable consideration, because our commercial prestige in the Middle East will depend a good deal on what we make of the opportunity presented by this fair, and there is some anxiety as to whether we are being adequately represented?

I agree on the importance of this question, and I am hoping to receive the advice of the ExhibitionsAdvisory Committee on this matter early next month.