HC Deb 18 June 1998 vol 314 c317W
24. Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what launch aid her Department has provided for the Westland EH101 helicopter and its powerplant the RTM322. [45075]

Mr. Battle

DTI provided £60 million of launch aid toward the development of the civil variant of EH101 between 1986 and 1994. No launch aid was paid by DTI toward development of the RTM322 engine. Launch aid is a repayable but risk-sharing Government investment in specific projects for the design and development of civil aircraft, helicopters and aeroengines in the UK.