To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many British companies have been given public funds to attend IDEX 97; and if she will list the companies indicating the amount of the funding each received. [3699]

The latest IDEX Exhibition took place in Abu Dhabi, 16–20 March 1997. The DTI provided support for UK firms to exhibit in the form of grants towards the cost of participation. Support totalling £380,000 was provided via the Defence Manufacturers Association to 48 companies exhibiting at this event. A further 15 companies were part of the UK group but either did not apply for or were ineligible for grant. A list of UK companies participating is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.