HC Deb 20 November 1997 vol 301 cc283-4W
29. Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent initiatives she has taken to promote the aerospace industry.[15421]

Mr. Battle

My ministerial colleagues and I, and my officials, maintain a close dialogue with the UK aerospace industry. This involves domestic and overseas activity in both civil aerospace, such as work on the future of the Airbus Consortium, and the military field, where we are involved in the Ministry of Defence's Strategic Defence Review and in considering the industrial implications of major defence procurements. We promote export sales of Airbus aircraft, UK aircraft and engines throughout the world. On 13 November, I announced a long-term investment of Rolls-Royce's new range of Trent engines.

33. Mr. Borrow

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement about the role of her Department in respect of the British presidency of the European Union in 1998 in relation to the aerospace industry.[15425]

Mr. Battle

As with other industries, my Department will continue to work with aerospace companies and colleagues elsewhere in Government to encourage the improvement of European competitiveness. Working towards this end, in partnership with business, offers the best prospect of developing industry and raising employment levels in the EU.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made it clear after his summit meeting with President Chirac and Prime Minister Jospin two weeks ago that he regards restructuring of the aerospace and defence industry as a matter of importance. My ministerial colleagues and I will be taking forward work on this as a high priority over the coming months.