§ 37. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he met representatives of the Japanese aerospace industry during their recent visit to Great Britain.
§ Mr. KaufmanThe Japanese visited this country at the joint invitation of Her Majesty's Government and the United Kingdom aerospace industry to view at first hand the extent of our capability in this field. My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, Department of Industry who has special responsibility for aerospace, welcomed the mission on its arrival and later gave a dinner in its honour.
§ 40. Mr. Pattieasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will publish a timetable for the necessary consultations on EEC Document R2461/75 on the European aerospace industry.
§ Mr. KaufmanIt is not possible to publish such a timetable since the Council of Ministers of the EEC has not yet indicated how it proposes to handle the Commission's report. Consideration of the report will take some time. We shall want to study its recommendations thoroughly and consult all interested parties before forming a view.
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§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has had any discussions with the Japanese Government or aerospace industry about the joint development of new airliners and engines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KaufmanMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, Department of Industry, met representatives of the Japanese Government and aerospace industry during their recent visit to this country. The discussions were informal and wide-ranging but I believe that the visit has provided the Japanese with a fuller appreciation of this country's technical and industrial capability in aerospace and that our links with Japan will grow as a result.