§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the future market for civil aircraft; and in what way he discusses those market prospects with British industry.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe Department of Trade and Industry currently estimates that around 12,000 commercial jet airliners and around 4,000 commercial turbo-prop airliners will be required over the next 20 years. The Department estimates that those sales will be worth in excess of £450 billion at current prices.
This market opportunity is frequently discussed with the United Kingdom firms in this sector, both to promote the interests of the United Kingdom aerospace industry and in response to the Department's financial sponsorship commitments. The Department also uses a market panel, with members drawn from manufacturing and transport industries to advise on future civil aircraft issues.