§ 11. Mr. Beswickasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether his Department has yet taken delivery of the Tudor freighters aircraft; what was the cost of conversion of these aircraft, and what is to be their future use.
§ Mr. LindgrenNo Tudor freighters have yet been delivered to my Department. It would be contrary to established practice to disclose the cost of conversion. It is proposed to sell these aircraft, and my Department is considering approaches from certain interested companies.
§ Mr. MaclayCan the Parliamentary Secretary say which Department is responsible for the supervision of conversion?
§ Mr. LindgrenI think that it is the Ministry of Supply, but I shall require notice before I can give an authoritative reply.
§ Mr. BeswickCan my hon. Friend say how they are going to fix the price? Is it to be on a cost plus basis or what?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe price is arranged with the Ministry of Supply.
§ Mr. BeswickCan my hon. Friend say why his Department have bought these aircraft without even knowing what the price was and without having any user in mind?
§ Mr. LindgrenThese were aircraft of the old Tudor class which were going to come into civil transport operation, but which, because the Tudors ceased to be used for civil passenger operation, were transformed into freighters.