§ 19. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps are being taken to ensure that no unnecessary modifications are being insisted upon when purchasing the fleet of Canadair IV aircraft for use by B.O.A.C.
§ Mr. LindgrenModifications to the contract for these aircraft can only be made by Change Orders, agreed by the British Overseas Airways Corporation and Canadair, and, in the event of delay or further expenditure being involved, my noble Friend would have to be consulted. I may add that my noble Friend receives regular reports from both British Overseas Airways Corporation and Canadair on the progress of these aircraft.
§ Mr. CooperDoes my hon. Friend recall the rather unnecessary delays which were introduced by the Corporation insisting on special modifications to the Tudor aircraft; and will he see to it that there are no similar delays in this case, particularly with regard to the flight engineer's position which, I understand, is under consideration? Otherwise, it will result in such delays as will cause the delivery of these aircraft to clash with the delivery of the Hermes aircraft.
§ Mr. LindgrenYes, Sir, I think that lesson has been learned by all concerned.