British Aerospace To Fight Ruling

British Aerospace P.L.C. said it would appeal a European Commission order that it repay illegal Government subsidies it received when it bought the formerly state-owned Rover car maker. British Aerospace said it would appeal to the European Court of Justice the order to repay £44.4 million, or about $80 million. British Aerospace bought Rover from the Government for £150 million, or $272 million, in July 1988.

The company said it would file an appeal to protect shareholders' interests and test its rights before the court. The Government has accepted the commission's decision but has disputed the amount to be returned.