§ 35. Dr. Brayasked the Minister of Aviation what is now the policy of his Department towards the manufacture of civil aircraft primarily for a British specification rather than for a world market.
§ Mr. MartenUnder the policy announced in February 1960, the Government are willing to consider affording financial support for promising civil aircraft projects. In considering applications, full account is taken of the export potential of the projects as well as the extent to which they meet domestic requirements.
§ Dr. BrayDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that the experience with the VC 10 suggests that the initial specification for an aircraft needs very careful watching in relation to world markets and that any pressure by the Government on the aircraft industry to manufacture to a purely British specification would in the future be a mistake?
§ Mr. MartenIt is too early to judge as regards the VC 10, until we have seen it in airline service for a little while, when, I hope, orders will come in.
§ Mr. CroninCould not the Government give the British aircraft industry much more help in the export market if they extended more credit facilities to it?
§ Mr. MartenThe Government, in principle, match the credit facilities of foreign countries in exports.
§ Mr. LubbockFrom his recent visit to the Biggin Hill Air Fair, the hon. Gentleman will be aware of the efforts being made by Beagle Aircraft to sell its very promising light aircraft in export markets. Could the hon. Gentleman say what help has been given by the Government to this project?
§ Mr. MartenThe R.A.F. has purchased 20 Beagle 206 aircraft, which I think has been a great help in getting the 206 off the ground. I know that Beagle Aircraft is making a very determined effort to sell this splendid little machine overseas.