HC Deb 04 December 2002 vol 395 cc838-9W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the compatiblity with WTO rules of the level of Governmental support to Canadian engine manufacturers in the context of the competition to provide engines for the A400M; and if he will make a statement. [83954]

Alan Johnson

[holding answer 28 November 2002]: The airframe manufacturer is currently assessing the merits of the competing bids for the A400M engine contract. The Department has not been provided with any evidence that the Canadian bid is incompatible with WTO rules. In any case, competence for taking action against other governments that may be in contravention of their WTO commitments lies with the European Commission.