HC Deb 09 July 1947 vol 439 c2214
62. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Minister of Supply what is the cost of converting a J.U.52 into a Jupiter passenger aircraft.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Wood burn)

The average is about £12,500.

Colonel Hutchison

Is the hon. Member aware that the conversion of the Dakota aircraft to 21 seaters compared with Jupiters to 12 to 14 seaters can be done at approximately the same price by private enterprise?

Mr. Woodburn

I am afraid that the point does not arise out of the Question. Other considerations come into the matter because of the uses of Dakotas which do not arise in the case of Jupiters.

Mr. Rankin

Does the figure of £12,500 include maintenance unit costs? If it does not, what would be the cost of conversion if those factors were included?

Mr. Woodburn

I do not quite follow that question. The £12,500 is the cost of the conversion of these planes and handing them over to the Ministry of Civil Aviation