HC Deb 23 January 1978 vol 942 cc961-2
17. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has yet received any requests from the British Aerospace Corporation for assistance in launching a new civil airliner.

Mr. Kaufman

Apart from the special limited provisions of Section 45, the concept of launching aid for new aircraft has been ended with the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act 1977.

Mr. Tebbit

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I asked him not whether any launching aid had been requested but whether any assistance had been requested? Unfortunately, it seems that he can think of no form of assistance except money. Can he say now whether British Aerospace has yet approached him for any assistance of any sort in launching the HS146 airliner, which he led the workers in the industry to expect would be launched last year?

Mr. Kaufman

I am not sure what other kind of assistance British Aerospace could ask us for. It has far better designers than we could provide in the Department of Industry, for example, and its technicians are very good. British Aerospace is involved in collaborative discussions with our potential partners in Europe. What the hon. Gentleman simply cannot get into his head is that collaboration implies joint decisions with partners. We cannot launch our part of the aircraft without the launching of the rest as well. One has heard of flying on a wing and a prayer, but this is ridiculous.

Mrs. Hayman

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in the present unemployment situation at Hatfield, there is urgent need for a decision on the HS146? When is such a decision likely to be made?

Mr. Kaufman

I shall give some information to my hon. Friend when her Question on the subject is reached later.

Mr. Pattie

In pursuit of the Prime Minister's stated aim that all new civil aircraft projects must be commercially viable, should not British Aerospace at least be prepared to consider co-operation and collaboration with American companies?

Mr. Kaufman

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Indeed, British Aerospace has been involved in discussion with Boeing, McDonnell-Douglas and Lockheed. These are potentialities which must be considered before new projects can be decided upon, as well as discussions with our European partners.