§ 12. Mr. R. Carrasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that it remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government only to grant waiver of duty on Boeing 707 aircraft purchased by the British Overseas Airways Corporation on the specific understanding that such aircraft are required for all-cargo purposes and will not be used in any other rôle; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayI would refer the right hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, Langstone (Mr. Ian Lloyd) on 15th March last.—[Vol. 743, c. 486–7.]
§ Mr. CarrWill the right hon. Gentleman realise the need to be specific about this? Is he aware that I have in front of me a letter from his right hon. Friend the then Minister of Aviation, written last August, stating that the Government's policy was that which is implied in my Question? Is he aware that much anxiety could be avoided if he would confirm that?
§ Mr. JayThere has been no change in Government policy, but the position under the law is that the duty can be remitted only if similar aircraft are not at the time procurable in the United 1582 Kingdom, and I must act under those powers.
§ Mr. FortescueTo be more specific, could the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether duty is being remitted on the third cargo plane being imported by B.O.A.C., on which we are all waiting for a decision?