§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is still satisfied with the progress towards certification of the Lear Fan 2100 aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerThe company is now well into the certification programme. As is to be expected with any development programme of this complexity and involving new technology, extensive static testing has revealed some defects in the initial design. I understand the correction of these defects has resulted in slippage in the programme and management has had to reschedule the certification dates. The company is currently forecasting that basic type certification by the Federal Aviation Administration will be achieved by late summer 1984, within the funds presently available.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the total cost to date of support from public funds for the Lear Fan proposal.
§ Mr. ButlerI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many firm orders for the Lear Fan 2100 aircraft have been placed.
§ Mr. ButlerWhen the present management took over the running of the company in September 1982 there were 275 orders for the Lear Fan 2100 aircraft. I understand that all of these orders are being renegotiated and some potentially loss-making contracts have been cancelled. The renegotiations are continuing and, while it is still to be determined exactly how many orders will be rewritten, the company is confident of going into production with a substantial number of firm orders on its books.