§ 13. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what negotiations have taken place with the Irish air line companies regarding the purchase of Constellation aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)I am not in a position to make any statement beyond saying that B.O.A.C. have been authorised to submit a tender for the purchase of the five Constellation aircraft belonging to the Eire Company Aerlinte.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCan the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that a price no higher, and preferably less, than the latest will be paid for these aircraft? Can he also say, if they are purchased, on what routes they will be operated?
§ Mr. LindgrenI would prefer that we did not proceed further with this Question today. The negotiations are delicate. In so far as the route is concerned, if they are purchased, they will be used in parallel with the Quantas service to Australia.
§ 14. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if British Overseas Airways Corporation still intend to purchase six Boeing Stratocruiser aircraft; when these aircraft are to be delivered; and how much has been paid on account.
§ Mr. LindgrenThe Government approved the purchase of these aircraft in 1946, and the contract subsequently placed by B.O.A.C. is still in force. The remainder of the Question relates to matters of management reserved to the Corporation.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWhile I cannot accept what the Parliamentary Secretary says, does he realise that it is common knowledge that the trial flights of the Boeing Stratocruiser have been most disappointing, and that one of the Swedish air lines is endeavouring to cancel its order? As there is a large sum of the taxpayers' money involved— about £2,500,000—will be explain what is the intention?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe intention is, so far as I am aware, for the continuation of the contract. I am not aware of the information which the hon. and gallant Member has given to the House.
§ Mr. GranvilleWhen is it expected that these Boeing aircraft will be delivered, and is it not increasing the tremendous overhead costs of B.O.A.C. to carry maintenance for other aircraft?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe first delivery date was given as May, 1948. The present indication is that it will be in the early part of January, 1949.
§ Mr. GallacherWould the Minister consider advising the B.O.A.C. to purchase Scottish-built aircraft, and cannot arrange- 2102 ments be made for the Government to set up a factory for building them in Scotland?
§ Mr. George WardIs the Minister aware that the Americans are not very keen to sell these aircraft to us? Will he seriously consider transfering this order from Boeings to Lockheeds for more Constellations?
§ Mr. LindgrenMuch depends upon the terms of the original contracts entered into.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyAs this matter concerns a very large sum of money, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise it on the Motion for the Adjournment at a very early opportunity.