Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Bombadier about that firm's decision to sell its Belfast operations.

My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Minister for Business and Industry, and government officials have had discussions with Bombardier, and will continue to do so, about their decision to sell the Northern Ireland Aerostructures and Engineering Services operation to focus its aerospace division on business jets.

The Belfast plant, its expertise and its highly skilled and dedicated staff will be highly sought after. The Government will work with potential buyers to ensure this successful and ambitious business is positioned for future growth.