HC Deb 03 May 2001 vol 367 c770W
21. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the aerospace industry regarding developing industrial co-operation with Romania. [159084]

Mr. Alan Johnson

During the recent visit to the UK of President lliescu of Romania, my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs attended a luncheon to encourage the development of closer co-operation between the UK and Romanian aerospace industries. At this event the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) and the Association of Romanian Aerospace Companies (OPIAR) signed a Memorandum Of Understanding to reinforce the commitment to promoting and developing the relationship between our respective industries.

My Department is keen to further develop our existing industrial relationship with Romania and will continue to fully support progress in this area.