§ Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will make a statement on the additional financial assistance he is proposing to make for the Britten-Norman Islander.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Government has already contributed to the launching costs of the Islander in return for which arrangements have been made for the Government to participate in the proceeds of sales. The aircraft has attracted widespread interest and the Government, therefore, as I announced on 7th September, concluded that an expansion of the original production plan with additional assistance from public funds is desirable.
To this end it has been decided to make an interest bearing loan to Britten-Norman Ltd., of £250,000. A first instalment of £100,000 has already been advanced from the Civil Contingencies Fund and a Supplementary Estimate will be presented in due course.