AEROSPACE RESEARCH (CARAD PROGRAMME)

Early day motion 84, tabled 7 December 1998 by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 48 members.

That this House notes with concern that United Kingdom public investment in aerospace research and technical development is proportionately the lowest in Europe; is alarmed that the Government is contemplating abandoning the already low ú22 million Civil Aerospace Research and Development (CARAD) programme which would cause long term damage to the industry and send the wrong signals to potential european partners at a critical point in discussions on consolidation; further notes that aerospace is Britain's largest manufacturing industry and one of the few left that are truly world class; and calls on the Government to continue and expand the CARAD programme as a measure of its commitment to the future of an industry vital to Britain's economic strength.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 29, Labour 9, Conservative 7, Labour/Co-operative 3.