§ Mrs. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a 57W statement about the future of the HS176 project and the employment prospects for Hawker Siddeley Aviation, Hatfield.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldHawker Siddeley Aviation is currently completing an up-to-date assessment of the HS 146 project on the basis of which the Government will be asking British Aerospace, or, pending nationalisation, the Organising Committee, to make recommendations on the future of the project. In the meantime, work is continuing on the project only by virtue of Government underwriting support. The Government are fully aware of the need for new work at HSA Hatfield, as well as at other civil manufacturing sites, and wish the United Kingdom industry to take on as much profitable work as possible. My hon. Friend and the Organising Committee are currently engaged in a wide range of initiatives and consultations with this in view.