§ 49. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make a decision about Government involvement in the A330 and A340 Airbus programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Government are at present aiming to reach a decision on British Aerospace's application for launch aid in respect of the proposed Airbus A330 and A340 programme by the end of the first quarter of this year.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the number of jobs currently arising out of the existing Airbus industry projects as related to the United Kingdom and specifically in British Aerospace; and if he proposes to give launch aid to the new Airbus A330/A340 projects.
§ Mr. PattieOn the information presently available, it is estimated that the number of jobs in the United Kingdom currently attributable to the existing Airbus Industry programmes is in the region of 8–9000 of which British Aerospace accounts for some 4,500. British Aerospace's application for A330/A340 launch aid is being carefully considered and the Government are at present aiming to reach a decision by the end of the first quarter of this year.