HC Deb 03 November 1998 vol 318 c509W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings he had to discuss the aerospace industry during his recent visit to the United States. [56477]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 26 October 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry takes a close interest in the aerospace industry. His recent visit to the United States however focused on computing, information technology and new media, emerging technologies, and biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He also discussed inward investment issues. Aerospace issues were not discussed on this occasion.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the strategic and industrial implications of a merger between British Aerospace and DASA of Germany; and if he will make a statement. [56474]

Mr. Battle

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear since his statement with the German and French Heads of Government on 9 December last year, there is an urgent need to restructure the aerospace and defence industries in Europe.

It would be for companies themselves to come forward with any specific merger proposals, which would be subject to consideration by the appropriate competition authorities in the usual way.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the scale of US Government support for the research and technology efforts of US aerospace companies; if he will take measures to match this proportionately; and if he will make a statement. [56467]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 26 October 1998]: The most recent information available from NASA indicated that its office of aeronautics had a budget of over $940 million for civil aeronautical research and technology. In addition, other US Government bodies provide significant support to the research and technology efforts of US aerospace companies. My Department examines these figures and, with our European partners, has regular discussions with the US Government about levels of such support.

No decisions have yet been made about detailed DTI budget allocations in future years.