THE Canadian group Bombardier, which is interested in troubled Dutch plane maker Fokker wants the Dutch government to pump in funds as a condition of a bid.

"Bombardier is determined in its expectation that the state will support Fokker. Large amounts are involved," a ministry of Economic Affairs spokesman said.

It emerged at the end of last week that the Canadian aerospace firm was "very interested" in bidding for Fokker's operations.

Some five potential suitors are circling Fokker but none has yet made a serious offer. The company is under court protection from creditors and a temporary cash lifeline from the government runs out in late February or early March. Fokker's parent, Germany's Daimler Benz Aerospace, pulled out of the loss making affiliate last month, insulating itself from further losses.