§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the aerospace industry concerning research into new technologies; and if he will make a statement. [89537]
§ Mr. BattleI am aware of the importance of technology to the aerospace industry and saw many examples of high-technology products on the stands of UK companies during my recent visit to the Paris Air Show. Under the Department's Civil Aircraft Research and Technology Demonstration (CARAD) Programme, DTI officials maintain a close dialogue with the industry in various fora about research into aeronautics technologies.