§ 24. Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the Government's policy in respect of research and development expenditure in both civil and military projects in British Aerospace.
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§ Mr. Michael MarshallCivil research and development which is directly related to British Aerospace's commercial activities is the responsibility of the corporation. The Department continues to fund certain work, related for example to energy conservation and the reduction of noise, which is necessary in the wider national interest; and the Government's policy towards the aerospace industry will pay full regard to the need for adequate research and development. The Ministry of Defence funds work which is necessary for defence purposes.