§ 22. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Aviation what recent assistance was given in the promotion of sales of the VC 10 aircraft in New Zealand; what was the result; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe British Aircraft Corporation made every effort to sell the VC 10 to Tasman Empire Airways Ltd. My Department and the C.R.O. gave them all possible help. I myself was in personal touch with New Zealand Ministers during the negotiations. The airline and the New Zealand Government however decided that the DC 8-50 was the most suitable aircraft and that neither the Boeing 707 nor the VC 10, which were also evaluated, would have offered such good economic prospects for T.E.A.L.'s particular route pattern. They therefore placed an order for three DC 8-50s.
§ Mr. HallIs my right hon. Friend convinced that this order for the American aircraft was placed entirely on commercial considerations?
§ Mr. AmeryIt is always very difficult to say in these matters. We made every effort on our side, and the Boeing 976 people—the American competitors of the DC 8-50—made every effort on their side. As far as I can judge, this matter was decided upon a commercial evaluation.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltWhen my right hon. Friend says "I myself was in personal touch", does he mean, "I was in touch"?
§ Mr. AmeryMy hon. Friend is quite right to raise this matter. I used the phrase "I myself" because Ministers often mean their Departments when they use the first person singular. I wished to indicate that I, personally, was in touch.