Trade Missions

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:13): Supplementary in relation to the original answer the minister gave to the Hon. Ms Pnevmatikos's question: in relation to the process for determining which businesses go on these overseas trade missions, does the minister, prior to the mission, see a list or in any way approve those delegates who attend with him?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:14): I think I am advised, just as a matter of courtesy, that these are the businesses. For example, for the CIIE in early November I've seen a list a few months ago. It is sort of a preliminary list and now it has grown, I think, to almost 40 companies. I don't have any right or any role in saying businesses can or cannot come. I want them all to come. I want to grow our economy. As I said, if there is no room or it doesn't fit your business plan, get to China, get to Japan and, soon, get to the US and start growing our economy.