§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Europe regarding the need to preserve an independent European civil aircraft; and if he will make a statement on such discussions.
§ Mr. ButcherMy hon. Friend the Minister of State has regular discussions with his counterparts in the countries which are members of the European Airbus consortium. In my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Adley) on 25 July last—[Vol. 46. c.276]— I reported on the outcome of the most recent of these discussions which dealt in particular with the proposed Airbus A320.