§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his meeting on 21 July to discuss the future of the A320.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to his reply, 22 July 1983, c. 274.]: My hon. Friend, the Minister of State, met his opposite numbers from France, Germany and Spain in Paris on 21 July, as part of a regular cycle of such meetings, to discuss various Airbus matters including the proposed A320. The Ministers recognised the importance of the oportunity offered today by the considerable market which is developing for a 150-seat aircraft. They welcomed the marketing exercise which Airbus Industrie is conducting to assess reaction to the A320 powered by the CFM56–4 engine. They also noted with satisfaction that other possibilities might open up for the engining of this aircraft. The Ministers expect to receive in the near future the elements necessary for a decision on the launch of the A320 project. They agreed to meet on this subject before the end of the year.