HC Deb 27 February 1961 vol 635 cc1183-5
32 and 33. Mr. Marsh

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) what was the cost to the taxpayer of the Princess flying boats;

(2) what offers have been made for the purchase of the Princess flying boats.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

About £9,127,000, including storage costs, has been spent on the aircraft to date. Since 5th December, 1960, when my right hon. Friend announced that these aircraft would be offered for sale, details have been widely advertised, at home and overseas. Some inquiries have already been received. Formal invitations to tender will later be issued to those who are interested. It is unlikely that any specific offers will be received until then.

Mr. Marsh

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that £9 million have been spent over ten years while the Government have been trying to make up their mind? Does he not think that the Government should make up their mind about these flying boats? Does he not agree that it should not be beyond the wit of Her Majesty's Government to come to a speedy conclusion on this matter? In view of the Government's difficulties in finding £5 million extra for increased hospital building, cannot the hon. Gentleman consider this as a matter of urgency and lay dawn a specific date by which the matter will have been settled and the taxpayer will have had some return on the £9 million?

Mr. Rippon

The hon. Member will appreciate that the total cost arises out of the original decision of the Labour Government in 1946. The storage cost of £5,000 per annum seems quite reasonable, bearing in mind the various proposals that we have had from time to time.

Mr. Strachey

Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that many defence experts are now interested in just this type of slow-flying aircraft of very great duration and possibly seaborne for military purposes? Will he look at this point, and if it turns out that there is no military use of any sort for them, would he not consider it better to write them off?

Mr. Rippon

There is no current use for these aircraft or a use envisaged. All the various people who see a great future for them will have an opportunity of tendering.

Mr. Paget

In view of the fact that these aircraft have become such a well-known feature of the Solent landscape, would not the hon. Gentleman consider consulting the Commissioners for Ancient Monuments?

Mr. Rippon

No, Sir.

Mr. Marsh

Is it possible for the House to have any explanation why it has taken ten years for the Government to make up their mind about these aircraft?

Mr. Rippon

Various proposals have been considered but, unfortunately, none of them has materialised.