(Pendle) (Con):
Pendle is home to a cluster of outstanding aerospace businesses,
including Euravia, Senior Aerospace Weston, Merc Aerospace,
T&R Precision Engineering and, of course, the crown jewel,
Rolls-Royce in Barnoldswick. Does my right hon. Friend agree that
the sector is absolutely vital to the UK economy, and will he
assure this House that it will have a strong voice in the
negotiations under a Conservative Government? [909903]
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the
European Union (Mr David Jones): May I say that Pendle
has a strong voice going into the general election? Aerospace is
a key industry for this country, which is why, as I said earlier,
we have paid so much close attention to it. We will make sure
that we continue to have the most important aerospace industry in
Europe.
(Witney) (Con):
What recent discussions his Department has had with the aerospace
industry on the negotiations for the UK leaving the EU. [909890]
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the
European Union (Mr David Jones): Engagement with
industry is a central element of our plan to build a national
consensus around our negotiating position. The Department has
been listening and talking to aerospace manufacturers and
industry groups across the UK and internationally, including
Rolls Royce, Airbus, ADS and the aerospace growth partnership.
