§ 94. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Aviation what assistance his Department gives to the British aircraft industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AmeryAssistance given by my Department includes:
- (i) A substantial programme of aeronautical research the results of which are available to the industry.
- (ii) The placing of orders with the industry for aircraft and guided weapons to meet Service requirements.
- (iii) The harmonising, where practicable, of Service requirements with export possibilities.
In particular, we contribute towards the cost of promising new transport aircraft by:
- (a) bearing part of the development, tooling and other initial costs of launching a new aircraft;
- (b) underwriting a proportion of production costs in suitable cases;
- (c) sharing in the initial costs of proving a new aircraft in airline service.
We also seek to help industry in the promotion of exports.
Assistance in this field is given through the efforts of Embassies and High Commissions overseas, particularly by Service and Supply Attaches and Advisers. These officials are briefed by my Department before taking up appointments and kept informed by regular news bulletins. In addition relevant information about export markets is circulated to industry, and inspection services are provided.
Annual expenditure in the industry by my Department has averaged about £350 million in the last three years.