HC Deb 26 October 1979 vol 972 cc351-2W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what estimate he has made of the benefits which the United Kingdom avionics industry has so far derived from British Aerospace's participation in the airbus project.

Mr. Michael Marshall

When British Aerospace joined Airbus Industrie as a ful member with effect from 1 January 1979, United Kingdom equipment suppliers became eligible to contribute to the supply of all types of equipment on the same basis as French and German manufacturers. Although it is not yet possible to state definitive figures, estimates provided by the industry suggest that the proportion of United Kingdom equipment on the A310 (excluding buyer-furnished equipment) will be of the order of 7 or 8 per cent. of the total by value, about the same as on the A300.