PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has backed the use of millions of pounds of government cash to help launch the new Airbus A3XX, vital to the future of the aerospace industry in the North-West.

The giant plane, which will carry 650 passengers in a double decker hull, is due to take to the air in 2004 as a competitor to the Boeing 747 jumbo-jet. Wings for the existing planes in the Airbus family - made by a European consortium - are manufactured by British Aerospace's Lancashire factories.

They would be expected to win large amounts of work if the A3XX takes off.

Mr Prentice has told Industry Minister John Battle that millions of pounds of "launch aid" - repaid with profits if the plane is a commercial success - is vital.

The Labour backbencher said in the Commons that over the next 20 years, passenger air travel would increase three-fold and bigger and quieter planes would be needed to do the job.

Mr Battle said the government was in preliminary discussions with the consortium about the cash help and would carefully scrutinise any concrete proposals.

Mr Prentice said: "The new government has been a good friend to the aerospace industry.

"We have seen launch aid go to the Airbus A340-500 and to Rolls-Royce for the development of the Trent engine.

"Investment in Aerospace is good for Pendle and for the North West and, in the longer term, it pays dividends to UK plc."

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