HS 146 Aircraft

HC Deb 23 March 1977 vol 928 cc571-2W

Mrs. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a further statement on the HS146 aircraft.

Mr. Kaufman

The Government have agreed to an extension of the current holding programme in order to give British Aerospace time to decide whether to recommend proceeding with the project from the resources available to it. Subject to agreement by Hawker Siddeley Aviation on extension of the present arrangements, the additional funding of up to £1 million, which should continue the current HS 146 work until September, will be the responsibility of British Aerospace on vesting day and will, therefore, be met from within the funds of the new corporation.