§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has reached a conclusion about the provision of launch-aid funding to Westland Helicopters Ltd., to assist the company with its share of the EH101 helicopter project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe Government have considered the company's request for launch aid towards its share of the costs of the joint Anglo-Italian EH101 helicopter development project and has agreed to advance to the company up to £60 million over six years beginning in 1984–85. The launch aid will be repayable by means of a levy on aircraft sales and spares.
I have today signed an Understanding with the Italian Minister of Industry and Commerce reflecting our commitment and support for the civil elements of this project.