HC Deb 08 March 1999 vol 327 cc21-2W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what forms of Government support are available for civil aerospace research in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) France and (c) Germany; and what level of funding was provided by each in 1997–98. [74533]

Mr. Battle

In the UK, the Civil Aircraft Research and Technology Demonstration (CARAD) Programme supports long-term research in key aeronautics technologies by providing grants for industry and for funding work undertaken at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) or placed by DERA in industry and universities. In 1997–8, funding totalled £24.6 million. Additionally, in the three years ending 1997–98, £12 million was targeted through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) industrially led Innovative Manufacture Initiative (IMI) Aerospace Programme. For further information about the EPSRC programme, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 7 December 1998,Official Report, columns 67–68.

For France, our best estimate of expenditure in 1997 (calendar year) on CARAD—equivalent support is about £50 million. For Germany, our best estimate for 1998 (calendar year) is about £ 90 million.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies and academic establishments have received funds through the CARAD programme in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; what areas of research have been sponsored by the programme; and what assessment he has made of the benefits of the programme. [74532]

Mr. Battle

In 1997–98, 47 companies and 22 universities received CARAD funds; similar numbers are expected to receive funds for the financial year 1998–99. Areas of research sponsored include aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials and structures, aircraft systems and rotorcraft (which was subject to a moratorium on new support from February 1998). Copies of the CARAD Annual Report for 1997–98 have been placed in the Library of the House.

The research programmes supported by CARAD over the years have made a significant contribution to the technological competitiveness of our industry, including wider benefits outside aeronautics.