To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of spending on aerospace on the economy. (77558)

The Department submitted evidence to the Trade and Industry Committee inquiry into the competitiveness of the UK aerospace industry in 2005. The Department’s evidence addresses the contribution of UK aerospace to the economy and Government support for the aerospace industry. The DTI’s memorandum is available on the Trade and Industry Committee website at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmerduid.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with BAE Systems on securing ongoing export contracts for the Brough site; and if he will make a statement. (76612)

None. Primary responsibility for the promotion of export sales of the Hawk military fast jet training aircraft produced by BAE Systems at Brough rests with the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Export Services Organisation.