HC Deb 30 October 1984 vol 65 c875W
Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the estimated public cost of financing the A320 aircraft.

Mr. Pattie

As announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 1 March 1984, the Government have agreed to provide up to £250 million by way of launch-aid to British Aerospace in respect of its participation in the design and development of the Airbus A320. Payments will be related to BAe's actual development expenditure in the years 1984 to 1987, and the intention is that they should be recovered in full, together with an adequate return, during the programme life of the A320.