§ 37. Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Minister of Aviation if he will state the terms on which Comet aircraft are being supplied by British European Airways to Olympic Airways.
§ Mr. RipponIt would be contrary to normal practice to disclose the terms of this contract.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWe welcome the selling of aircraft to any foreign country, but can my hon. Friend say why there is so much secrecy about what should be a normal commercial matter? Is he aware that quite recently aircraft were sold to the Egyptian Government through a recognised agency? Why cannot he be more explicit about the terms of this deal, which we all welcome?
§ Mr. RipponThis is a normal commercial matter. The arrangement is part of a commercial agreement between B.E.A. and Olympic. It would be neither in B.E.A.' s interest nor the national interest to publish details of such matters.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyIs my hon. Friend aware that there are public agencies which undertake this type of deal, such as the Export Credits Guarantee Department? An operating industry like B.E.A. is not there to sell aircraft on the hire-purchase system over a period of years.