HC Deb 18 February 1965 vol 706 cc1350-1
14. Mr. Marten

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is now the economic priority of the Concord project.

Mr. Albu

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation said in his statement to the House of 20th January, the Government intend to press forward purposefully with the project. Economic, as well as other considerations, were taken fully into account when this decision was made.

Mr. Marten

That does not answer the Question. I asked what was the economic priority of the Concord. Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that in the White Paper of 26th October, in paragraph 13(6), the Concord was classified as of low priority? Does he realise that if the Concord is to succeed commercially, the time lead over the Americans is the essence of the whole thing? Will he give an assurance that the Government mean to press on energetically with the Concord?

Mr. Albu

The Government intend to press on energetically with the Concord. They also intend to examine its economic potential from time to time, and not to continue with an open-ended commitment.

Mr. Marten

I asked what was the economic priority now given to the Concord, and my Question has not been answered. Will the hon. Gentleman say whether it is given a high priority or a low priority?

Mr. Albu

It obviously has a fairly high priority, or we would not be spending on it the money that we are doing.