§ 31. Mr. BorrowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the EU and USA concerning the restructuring of the aerospace industry; and if he will make a statement. [120536]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonMy officials and I maintain regular contact with EU and American Governments involved in the restructuring of the aerospace industry. I attended a meeting of industry ministers from six European countries in Rome last October to discuss the prospects for continued progress on aerospace restructuring.
It was a useful opportunity for me to meet colleagues from key European aerospace nations and to have the opportunity for direct dialogue with senior industrialists. Our discussions covered a wide range of issues relevant to the future success of the industry. My objective is that the UK should continue to play a leading role in international restructuring and maintain the global competitiveness of its aerospace sector.