§ 39. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a statement as to what progress has been made regarding the purchase of the four Boeing Stratocruisers from Scandinavia for the British Overseas Airways Corporation.
§ Mr. LindgrenI am informed that an agreement has now been concluded between the British Overseas Airways Corporation, the Scandinavian Airlines System and the manufacturers for the assignment to the Corporation of the contract between the Scandinavian Airlines System and the manufacturers for the supply of these four Boeing aircraft and necessary spares.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCan the hon. Gentleman say what was the cost of buying these four aeroplanes and when he expects them to come into scheduled service?
§ Mr. LindgrenI could not give accurate information in regard to the cost without notice—
§ Mr. Martin LindsayAs usual.
§ Mr. LindgrenIt has been stated in the Press that the figure is in the region of £3 million. Delivery should take place in September or October of this year, and they should come into operation in 1950.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs payment made in hard currency for either the aircraft or the spares?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe payment is in sterling. Arrangements for the purchase are being made from the S.A.S. through the manufacturers.