HC Deb 24 February 1953 vol 511 cc1898-9
30. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of aircraft spares and materials purchased from the United States during 1952; and what proportion of this amount was for the use of British Overseas Airways Corporation

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. Mackeson)

Imports of aircraft parts from the United States during 1952, excluding those imported under the Mutual Defence Assistance agreement, were valued at £5,492,000. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend, however, that this figure includes substantial imports by foreign airlines, for the maintenance of aircraft operating in this country, which do not represent purchases by us. I regret that no information is available about aircraft materials as such. With regard to the second part of the Question it would be contrary to normal practice to disclose the purchases of individual firms whether private or state-owned

Air Commodore Harvey

That answer does not tell us very much. Will my hon. Friend say how many of these spares were intended for the Royal Air Force or what was their value? Secondly, if he cannot give us the information regarding B.O.A.C., will he ask his right hon. Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation to have this item included in the balance sheet, because hon. Members of this House represent the shareholders in the Corporation and we should like to know.

Mr. Mackeson

As far as the defence element is concerned, I should like to consider it to see whether there is any possibility of answering without infringing security. As tar as the other matter is concerned, perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a Question.

Mr. Beswick

Will the hon. Gentleman do nothing at all to impose restrictions which might impair the high safety standards of this Corporation when operating over the Atlantic?

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