asked the Secretary of State for Industry, in the light of the recent statement issued by his Department on the agreement between British Aerospace and Airbus Industrie, if he will amplify how the agreement will provide opportunities for the British aviation equipment industry, identifying the types of equipment and when they will be required.

It has been agreed that in future the United Kingdom equipment industry will be able to compete for the supply of equipment to Airbus Industrie on the same basis as the French and German industries. Previously the latter enjoyed a preference. The types of equipment to be supplied and dates are primarily a matter for commercial negotiation between Airbus Industrie and the equipment manufacturers.