§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has as to why the West German Economics Ministry has agreed to provide more aid to the Airbus project; whether the United Kingdom Government were consulted; and what is his latest assessment of the financial prospects of Airbus.
§ Mr. AtkinsIssues relating to the German Government's financial support for the Airbus programme are a matter for the German Government. I am in touch with British Aerospace about the problems which it488W believes the company faces in connection with Airbus programmes, and have asked for its latest assessment of the financial prospects of Airbus.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total amount of aid and guarantees provided by Her Majesty's Government to the Airbus project; and what percentage of this has been given to British Aerospace plc.
§ Mr. AtkinsBritish Aerospace has received launch-aid totalling some £249.3 million in connection with its participation in the Airbus A320 programme. It has been agreed that further launch-aid of up to £450 million will be made available in connection with the company's involvement in the A330/340 programme.
Existing intergovernmental agreements, in connection with the A300 and A310 aircraft, provide in certain events for intergovernmental liability. The Government's present liability under such arrangements is in the region of £500,000.