§ 12. Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what has been the total cost to the Exchequer of funding the development of all versions of the BAC111; how much has been earned in exports by these aircraft; and what have been the levies per sale imposed by his Department.
§ Mr. David PriceTotal launching aid is £18.75 million. Export earnings are about £200 million, and import savings about £100 million so far. The levies per sale are a matter of commercial confidence.
§ Mr. WilkinsonIs my hon. Friend aware how clearly these figures demonstrate how essential it is that products 399 like aircraft, which are of a high added value—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. In view of the lack of light, the hon. Gentleman cannot possibly be reading. [Laughter.]
§ Mr. WilkinsonIs my hon. Friend aware how clearly these figures demonstrate how products of a high added value like civil airliners are essential to our economy and prosperity?
§ Mr. PriceI entirely agree that high added value products are very desirable and helpful to the economy. However, because one project—for example, the BAC111—is successful, it does not follow that every other civil aviation project will be equally successful or should be equally backed.