32. Mr. Leeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make an approach to the French Minister of Finance in order to secure joint control over the financial progress of the Concord supersonic project.
§ Mr. MaudlingI very much doubt whether greater control over this project is attainable in this way, but I will discuss the report of the Estimates Committee containing a recommendation broadly to this effect with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation.
Mr. LeeIs it not a fantastic situation that here we have at least £85 million worth of investment in an agreement which the Ministry of Aviation announced to the House and which the Treasury has never even thought of discussing with the French Government to see whether there should be a break clause, or whether the Treasury should be represented on the board controlling the finance of the Concord? Indeed, what will be the position if the French decide to pull out of the agreement? Is it not fantastic that a Government of this sort, which looks after the finances of the country in a way which is displeasing to the lower income group, can throw £85 million away in this kind of incompetence?
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not think that the hon. Gentleman has understood the system of financial control in this country, which has existed for many years. The financial control of projects is not solely the responsibility of the Treasury—it tends to be more so in France—but rests also with the Department concerned.