Aerospace Industry

Lord Avebury Excerpts

Monday 5th December 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, that is a very important point and is a key focus of the aerospace growth partnership which I referred to in my initial Answer. The work that it is undertaking is addressing how we can make the UK aerospace supply chain more competitive, for example through improving our manufacturing processes and capabilities, ensuring that companies can access finance, increasing their ability to share risk with higher-tier suppliers and improving supply chain relationship management.

[Lord Avebury]

My Lords, can the Minister say what are the consequences of the sale of the Harriers to the United States? Will we have any work remaining in the maintenance and upkeep of the Harriers now that they have all gone to the US?

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, I cannot answer that question, but I very much hope so. I will write to my noble friend.