HC Deb 16 February 1966 vol 724 cc1295-6
7. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the visit of the Parliamentary Secretary to Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Mulley

My hon. Friend attended the opening of the Mangere Airport at Auckland at which the BAC 111 and the SRN5 Hovercraft were demonstrated. In both New Zealand and Australia he had useful talks with Ministers and airline chairmen about the prospects of Britain meeting their aircraft requirements.

Mr. Rankin

How far did my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary prosper in his attempt to effect the sales of aircraft during the course of this journey, particularly the BAC 111?

Mr. Mulley

As a result of my hon. Friend's visit, I think that our prospects of selling aircraft, particularly the BAC 111, in that part of the world have been much improved. As my hon. Friend will realise, one does not sell a complicated and expensive item like an aircraft in a matter of two or three days. Inevitably long negotiations will be involved.

Mr. R. Carr

While welcoming the efforts to sell civil aircraft, may I ask whether there have been any discussions on the sales of military aircraft; or is it that we have none to sell?

Mr. Mulley

My hon. Friend discussed the prospects of military aircraft, but so far there have been no developments.