§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) on what dates tripartite meetings between his Department, management of Hawker Siddeley Aircraft and the unions are being held to consider the progress of further funding of the HS146 project; and if he will make a statement about progress following these meetings;
(2) what has been the total amount of money advanced by the Government to date for the continuation of studies on the HS146 project; and how much money remains to be allocated to the continuation of these studies.
§ Mr. KaufmanTripartite meetings on the HS146 project were held in February, April and May of this year and resulted in a report to the Government in June. My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State has subsequently discussed the report with the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions. It does not justify any change in the Government's present policy, which is to retain the option to restart the project. To this end an amount of up to £1 million has been provided for the current financial year to continue design and development work and market studies, of which £305,000 has so far been paid to the company.