INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE MACHINERY EXHIBITION

Early day motion 1465, tabled 24 June 2003 by Ken Purchase (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 53 members.

That this House welcomes the preparations being made to ensure success for the International Textile Machinery Association exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre next October, the first occasion the world's largest single sector trade fair has visited Britain; notes that when this show was last held in Paris, it generated over ú300 million for the French economy; is encouraged by estimates of a ú175 million increase in the UK's gross national product in addition to revenue generated by the show, creating around 13,000 person years of employment across the Midlands; reminds the Government that additional currently much needed international tourism revenue will also result, with even wider benefits; and is therefore alarmed to learn that a shortage of consular staff in some developing countries is delaying visa applications from trade buyers, who are crucial if the UK is to build its reputation for holding such profitable events and gaining from them in the future.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 6, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 1, Independent 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, UUP 1.