Mr McClelland asked the Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism, upon notice, on 17 November 1997:

(1) Further to the answer to question No. 1776 (Hansard 27 August 1997, page 7202), have any countries made representations to the Australian Government to reconsider its decision not to participate in Expo 98 in Lisbon; if so, what was the nature of each representation.

(2) Has the Australian Government corresponded with the Bureau of International Expositions about its decision not to participate in Expo 98; if so, what was the nature of the correspondence.

Mr Moore (Industry, Science and Technology) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) No.

(2) No.