38. Mrs. Whiteasked the Minister of Supply the estimated additional cost of bringing Comet II and Comet III to the standard now required; and what financial contribution the Government is proposing to make towards meeting this extra cost.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe manufacturers will have to negotiate with their customers about these extra costs. It would, therefore, not be right for me to give any 875 figures. With regard to the Government's contribution, the price paid for any Comet IIs bought for Government service will include the cost of bringing them up to the required standard. The Ministry of Supply proposes to assist in the further development of the Comet series and in the tests to which the new Comet aircraft will be subjected to ensure their safety. This programme and its cost is now being discussed with the manufacturers.