§ 22. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Aviation what has been the number of Viscounts sold during 1963 and up to the latest available date in 1964; to whom they were sold; and for what purposes they will be used.
§ Mr. MartenNo orders for new Viscount aircraft were received during 1963 nor, so far, in 1964, but deliveries continued on orders placed earlier. During the period there were extensive sales throughout the world. According to our information a total of some 17 Viscounts, new and second-hand, were exported from the United Kingdom to the following countries—France, China, Japan, Brazil and Venezuela. All these aircraft were destined for normal airline service.
§ Mr. MilneIs the Minister also aware that these aircraft are resold by the airlines after they have been used, and that in many cases the number of seats available in those aircraft is then increased? Is he completely satisfied about the safety requirements in every direction when these Viscounts are resold after use?
§ Mr. MartenIf they are resold to a foreign country it is no concern of this Government to answer for the safety of the airlines, which will arrange the seating in accordance with international standards.
§ Mr. MilneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I was not inquiring about foreign sales? He has omitted to answer my question about Viscounts which have gone out of service with a nationalised airline and are sold to private charter companies, and have had their number 1155 of available seats increased. Is he satisfied about the safety requirements in every direction?
§ Mr. MartenYes, I am satisfied that the safety requirements in this country are right up to standard. If the hon. Member has any examples of these practices and will give me the details I will go into them.