24 Jul 2002
World-leading UK aerospace companies were today praised at the Farnborough International Air Show by Secretary of State for Scotland Helen Liddell.
Talking of the massive contribution the cutting edge aerospace industry makes to the Scottish economy Mrs Liddell said:
"Farnborough International provides the perfect showcase for UK excellence in the aerospace industry, which makes a huge contribution to the Scottish economy.
"World renowned aerospace companies such as BAE SYSTEMS, Rolls-Royce, Thales, WL Gore, Honeywell and Raytheon provide thousands of high value, technology intensive and well paid jobs in Scotland."
Speaking of the Government’s commitment to aerospace, Mrs Liddell said:
"Government programmes such as Eurofighter Typhoon, the Joint Strike Fighter and Nimrod MRA-4 have delivered significant involvement for Scottish sites, as well as spin off contracts for electronic systems and missile guidance. From hi-tech fabrics to helmet mounted display systems, from night vision optronics to Meteor missile systems and engines to wing components Scotland is to the fore.
"Technology is the driving force behind our excellence in aerospace and the Chancellor’s announcement in Budget 2002 on Research and Development tax credits will help maintain the UK aerospace industry as a top flight international player.
"A vibrant aerospace industry requires a successful civil aviation sector generating demand for products and services and also to provide the vital transport links with our business partners overseas.
"Civil aviation directly supports some 15,000 jobs in Scotland with the potential to double that figure over the next 30 years. The launch yesterday of the joint Department of Transport/Scottish Government consultation document on the development of air transport in Scotland underlined this Government’s commitment to the sustainable and efficient development of this vital sector. We will be consulting widely with all those affected by air transport, I hope that the aerospace sector will also take an active part in this debate."
The Secretary of State visited prominent aerospace companies with a Scottish presence at the show.
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS
1. The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) organises the biennial Farnborough International Airshow. Visit the official show website at farnborough.com
2. The Secretary of State visited the following stands:
Rolls Royce
Society of British Aerospace Companies
Raytheon
W L Gore
Honeywell
Thales
MB Aerospace
BAE SYSTEMS
3. The Secretary of State for Transport launched a series of consultation exercises on the development of air transport in the United Kingdom through a statement to the House of Commons on 23 July. The document for Scotland has been produced jointly with the Scottish Government. A copy of the document and other supporting material may be obtained from the consultation process website at www.airconsult.co.uk