§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects A320 Airbus orders to be made by British Airways; how many earlier models of the European Airbus have been purchased by British Airways; how many factories and workers in the United Kingdom are engaged in the manufacture of the Airbus; what is the estimated value to the United Kingdom of its share of the sales of the European Airbus so far; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherBritish Airways are currently considering which aircraft would best meet their future needs. They are evaluating the proposed A320 along with other options. British Airways have not so far purchased either the A300 or the A310. I understand from British Aerospace that some 5,500 of its personnel are directly and indirectly engaged in Airbus work at eight BAe sites. There is further Airbus-related employment in subcontractors and equipment suppliers. The value of the British Aerospace element in sales of Airbus aircraft since BAe became a partner in Airbus Industries in 1979 amounts to about £300 million.