§ Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking in co-operation with the management of Short Bros. and Harland to promote sales of their aircraft.
§ Mr. OnslowAircraft sales are the responsibility of the company. My hon. Friend will be aware that Shorts have won the Queen's Award to Industry for export achievement for seven successive years. The full range of Government services to exporters is of course available to the company.
§ Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the number of people at present employed by Short Bros. and Harland, in Belfast, and what numbers the company expects to employ in its aircraft and missile divisions over the next two years.
§ Mr. OnslowAt present, Short Brothers and Harland Ltd. employs about 5,300 people in the Belfast area. The future level of employment will depend on the company's workload, but I understand that significant changes are not expected over the next two years.