Cable attacks delay to WTO ruling on Airbus subsidies

The WTO last week ruled on a similar complaint by the US against EU support for the European Airbus consortium, finding that some aid paid by the UK, Germany, France and Spain in support of the A380 super-jumbo, amounted to an illegal subsidy. Dr Cable said: "It is extremely disappointing news that there will be a further delay to the WTO's interim report in the case against subsidies to Boeing. The time lag between these two cases has constantly increased over the six years this dispute has been running and this is yet another set back. "I strongly welcome anything that ensures fair competition and prevents protectionism, however in this instance I have concerns that the WTO processes are not creating a climate for a negotiated settlement and therefore not working in the interests of aerospace workers on both sides of the Atlantic. "I look forward to seeing the WTO's views on US subsidies and tax breaks for Boeing. "Once these views are published there will be an opportunity for the world's aircraft manufacturing nations to agree a way to support this sector in a transparent way where there is a legitimate and proven need to correct market failures."