§ 2. Mr. F. Macleanasked the Minister of Civil Aviation what arrangements he is making for British jet airliners to obtain certificates of airworthiness from the United States authorities.
4. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Civil Aviation what progress has been made in negotiations with the United States Civil Aeronautics Board regarding the recognition of British airworthiness certificates for British jet transport aircraft.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe United States authorities have not as yet established their own airworthiness requirements for jet-engined aircraft, and, until they do so, are unwilling to agree to the same degree of reciprocal recognition of certificates of airworthiness as has been accepted for piston-engined aircraft. They have, however, indicated their willingness to deal with any particular type on an ad hoc basis, and it is hoped that technical discussions to this end will be started shortly.
Air Commodore HarveyDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that, in a matter like this, there must be good will on both sides, and is he not aware that, since the end of the war, the British authorities have done everything they can to recognise American types, but that it is a very one-sided affair, and will he say where it has broken down?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI would say, in reply to that question, that I am sure that, in this as in every other field, the United States will act as we have acted to them—as generous allies.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs the Minister satisfied that our Ambassador in Washington has on his staff sufficient technical ability to help him in these most important discussions?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am quite satisfied on that, but I think that, in this particular field, the performance of our jet aircraft, satisfying as they do the United Kingdom's requirements, can almost speak for themselves.