§ 19. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he now expects to be able to provide estimates of the return on the investment he proposes to make in nationalising the aerospace construction industry.
§ Mr. KaufmanUnder Clause 10 of the Bill my right hon. Friend must determine financial duties for British Aerospace within 12 months of vesting.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what aerospace research and development projects have been abandoned in the last five years; and what was the total sum spent on each before the date of abandonment.
§ Mr. KaufmanWhilst a number of civil airframe and aero-engine projects involving company expenditure have failed to reach the launching stage none has been launched with Government aid and subsequently abandoned during the period in question. So far as military items are concerned I would refer my hon. Friend to Written Answers given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 25th April 1975 and 21st October 1975.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the level of Government expenditure in each of the 49W past five years on assistance to space research and space projects.
§ Mr. KaufmanTotal Government expenditure on space activities in each of the last five years was as follows:
£ million 1970–71 23.6 1971–72 26.1 1972–73 28.5 1973–74 26.7 1974–75 38.2