§ Lord Bruce-Gardyneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they were aware that British Aerospace had loaned British Caledonian $107 million for 10 years at 8.5 per cent. towards the cost of purchase of 2 Airbus 310 aircraft before they agreed to provide £250 million in launch aid towards the cost of the Airbus 320.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Cockfield)The question of the financing terms is a matter for the companies concerned. Her Majesty's Government were aware of the facts before the decision to provide launch aid for the A320 programme was made. The facts do not accord with the statement made by my noble friend.