§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent discussions he has had with the Italian Government concerning launching aid for the Westlands helicopter EH101; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the late Signor Giovanni Marcora, the former Italian Industry Minister, at the Farnborough Air Show on 6 September last year when they expressed support in principle for collaboration on the EH101 programme. Since then our officials have been in regular contact while completing the detailed project appraisal. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement on this shortly.