§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last had discussions with either British Aerospace or Airbus Industrie on the A330 and A340 projects; and if he will make it his policy to make a statement on this matter to the House at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. PattieMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry last had discussions including the airbus A330 and A340 project with representatives of British Aerospace on 11 November. I had further discussions on this subject with British Aerospace on 8 December. My last discussion of the airbus A330 and A340 project with representatives of Airbus Industrie took place on 5 September. The House will be informed on the question of British Aerospace's application for launch aid in respect of the proposed airbus A330 and A340 programme as soon as a decision is reached. I would expect this to be during the first quarter of next year.