HC Deb 26 June 1958 vol 590 cc604-6
45. Mr. Beswick

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he had whilst in Australia with regard to the future purchase of British aircraft.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

Although this matter did not come to a head during my visit to Australia, we have left Australian Ministers in no doubt of the importance we attach to our aircraft manufacturers having fair opportunities in Australia.

Mr. Beswick

Is the Prime Minister aware that in this case the Tasman Empire Airways ordered British Comet aircraft, and that they met the technical specifications and delivery dates? Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that if we are to have a situation in which there is to be increased Commonwealth trade it makes sense only if we can have an agreement under which Commonwealth countries take our aircraft and we in return take some things like their butter? If there are difficulties, would the right hon. Gentleman have them examined urgently?

The Prime Minister

I am sure that the matter of New Zealand butter was not, in any case, in question in making the Australian decision as to what aircraft they wished to have. We are, of course, disappointed that we did not get all these orders, although we got some orders for Viscounts at the same time. But I repeat that I am sure that Australian Ministers realise the importance that we attach to this matter. As far as credit was concerned, if that had been the difficulty, it could have been met.

Mr. Beswick

In view of the seriousness of this matter to the British aircraft industry, is it possible to have this discussed within the context of our Commonwealth trade talks?

The Prime Minister

Yes. We are in continuing discussions on this sort of matter and I think that the next Question raises it more specifically.

46. Mr. Beswick

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the imminent purchase by Australia and New Zealand State-supported companies of United States aircraft, following the technical recommendations by one company concerned of a suitable British aircraft, and in view of the recent difficulties over the United Kingdom purchase of New Zealand butter, he will suggest the immediate emergency consideration of these possibilities of Commonwealth trading by the departmental agencies now responsible for the agenda of the forthcoming Commonwealth Economic Conference.

The Prime Minister

Questions affecting Commonwealth trade are being examined in preparation for the Commonwealth Trade and Economic Conference.

Mr. Beswick

May I ask the Prime Minister again whether this matter of the order for Comet aircraft, which were originally to be supplied by this country, is to come up for discussion again within the context of the forthcoming talks?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. These orders were given on grounds which were no doubt thought adequate and right by those who had the responsibility, but of course the broad question of increasing trade, including the aircraft trade, will be discussed.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Prime Minister aware that in some of these questions of sales of aircraft in colonial and foreign countries the United States start out by giving very big concessions, which certainly amount to unfair trading, and that we are not competing in a fair market in many of these countries?

The Prime Minister

I should like to correct the right hon. Member. This is not a question of colonial countries. It is a question of Commonwealth countries. It is not a question of the United States Government or of the British Government. It is a question of commercial competition. I have made it clear that as far as credit is concerned the British Government will do all they can to help our own aircraft manufacturers.