§ 8. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance is being given by his Department to civil aircraft programmes other than the Concorde and the RB211.
§ Mr. David PriceAbout £1 million will be spent this year in completing launching aid for the Trident 3B aircraft.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonIs my hon. Friend aware that some sections of the aircraft and avionics industry are of the opinion that a disproportionate amount of assistance is going into the Concorde and 211 programme, to the detriment of research and development in other projects which may well hold the key to the future prosperity of those industries? Can he give me an assurance that those projects will be given favourable consideration by the Government, and financial assistance if it is sought?
§ Mr. PriceI can reassure my hon. Friend best by reminding him that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and I have always made clear at this Dispatch Box that we would take very seriously any proposal by any aircraft manufacturer for launching aid for a new project, but we have none before us.
§ Mr. McMasterHow much is being spent on research and development into a short take-off, inter-city, 150- to 200-seat airliner? In view of its potential, could not this be expedited?
§ Mr. PriceAs I have explained to the House on a number of occasions, neither we nor our competitors have yet reached a position of having a precise definition of the parameters of a short-haul, civil, S.T.O.L. aircraft. Conversations and discussions on this matter are going on.