Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement about Government support for the Islander aircraft which is expected to enter service shortly.
§ Mr. BennI am glad to be able to say that the Islander project is proceeding very satisfactorily. The manufacturers plan to deliver the first 2 or 3 aircraft next month. Following a request from the company the Government has decided to extend by £300,000 the £250,000 interest bearing loan about which the Minister of Aviation informed the House on 19th October 1966. My Department is of course giving the manufacturers technical advice and help and will be closely associated with their sales efforts at home and abroad.—[Vol. 734, c.41.]