HC Deb 05 February 1958 vol 581 cc1180-2
16. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether a decision has yet been reached regarding the future requirements of British European Airways Corporation for medium-range jet airliners; and if he will make a statement.

19. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now report what decision has been reached concerning future requirements of British European Airways for medium-range jet aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

20. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects to make a statement on the negotiations he has been conducting with a number of aircraft manufacturing companies on the projected jet airliner for the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

25. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now make a further statement on the negotiations between British European Airways and the aircraft manufacturers regarding the medium jet airliners.

Mr. Neave

The proposed order for medium-range jet aircraft by British European Airways is still being considered. My right hon. Friend will make a statement as soon as possible.

Mr. Hunter

Will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary impress upon the Government the fact that B.E.A. has already chosen an aircraft for its efficiency and safety? Will he also impress upon them that B.E.A. should have freedom of choice? Further, is he aware that this delay is causing uncertainty in the aircraft industry, which, unfortunately, is already facing the problem of redundancy?

Mr. Neave

My right hon. Friend is very well aware of the importance of this matter both to B.E.A. and the aircraft industry as a whole, and I can assure the House that as soon as he returns to duty it will have his immediate attention.

Mr. Skeffington

Does the Minister realise, apart from all other interests, that workers in many aircraft factories are very concerned about their future? Apart from other considerations, does not this fact make it imperative to have a very quick announcement?

Mr. Neave

I shall certainly call my right hon. Friend's attention to that matter. I do not think that I have anything further to add at this moment.

Mr. Mikardo

In view of the six months' delay which has already taken place, which the Corporation can ill afford, in competition with its overseas competitors, and also in view of the serious charge made by the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Sir A. V. Harvey), that in the course of these negotiations there has been double-dealing by some of the aircraft manufacturing companies, will the hon. Member lay a White Paper setting out the course of these negotiations, after the decision has been made?

Mr. Neave

I will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to that suggestion.

Mr. Rankin

Will the Minister represent urgently to those who are now considering this decision the fact that B.E.A., after long examination of the position, has decided that the DH.121 is the best instrument for its continued success? Will those who decide the issue take that fact into consideration when making their decision, and grant the Corporation a free choice in this matter?

Mr. Neave

I have said that the matter is still under consideration, and that my right hon. Friend is well aware of the points which have just been put forward. I would ask the House to be patient in this matter.

Mr. Beswick

Does not the Minister agree that this very frustrating delay and time- and energy-consuming argument, into which the Corporation has been led, places an intolerable burden upon those who have the responsibility of operating the airline? Can we be assured that after all this delay and argument there will emerge from the aircraft manufacturing industry a more efficient construction unit?

Mr. Neave

I do not think that I can add anything to what has been said, and I am sure that note will be taken of the points that hon. Members have made.