HC Deb 28 July 1988 vol 138 c374W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to the written reply dated 6 May 1987,Official Report, column 417, on aid to Airbus Industrie, what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to satisfy themselves that the projects have sound prospects of economic and commercial viability; whether they expect to earn a market rate of interest on the loan throughout its life; and when they expect to receive a real rate of return on its investment, including a return on any interest forgone.

Mr. Atkins

Before agreeing to provide British Aerospace with launch aid in respect of the Airbus A320 and A330/340 programmes, the Government undertook a detailed appraisal of the economic and commercial prospects of the programmes. Details of these appraisals, and of the rates of return and repayment profiles of launch aid contracts must remain commercially confidential between the Government and the company.