§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from British companies involved in aerospace and aero engines concerning future Government support for the development of leading edge materials technologies.
§ Mr. HeseltineMy officials are constantly in touch with the aerospace and aeroengine companies in the United Kingdom, discussing a wide range of issues, including future Government support through the Department's civil aircraft research and demonstration programme. My Department is grant-funding essential pre-competitive work in advanced materials technology, both in metallics and non-metallics, for the aeroengine and airframe manufacturers.