§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has yet received a formal request from British Aerospace for launching aid for the A320; what sum of money is involved; what is the time scale; and if he will make a statement on the latest position.
§ Mr. ButcherBritish Aerospace has had a number of discussions with the Department of Industry about the question of launch aid. The company has been asked to provide, in the light of its discussions with its industrial partners in Airbus, detailed information about the viability of the A320 project and its own financing needs. The Department is still awaiting some of the relevant data. Since the full case has not been evaluated, it is not yet possible to say what sums of money might be involved nor when decisions will be reached.