§ 38. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Air how many surplus Britannia aircraft the Chinese Government have asked to purchase and at what price; and if he will make a statement on the negotiations.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Neil Marten)I have been asked to reply. At the invitation of B.O.A.C. a party of Chinese technicians in this country were recently shown some Britannia aircraft which belong to 'the Corporation and are surplus to their current requirements. The Chinese have not so far made any offer to buy these aircraft.
§ Sir C. OsborneWill my hon. Friend say how many there were of these machines, what they have cost us and whether there has been any pressure from American interests to prevent us from selling these machines which we ourselves do not need?
§ Mr. MartenI am not aware of any pressure from the Americans. If my hon. Friend cares to put down a Question about the precise numbers, I will answer it.
§ Sir C. OsborneOn a point of order. The Question asks the Minister how many of these machines there were, and he has not answered it. May I ask for an answer?
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot make the Minister say how many there were. I cannot make him answer.