§ 13. Sir E. Erringtonasked the Minister of Technology, in the course of his negotiations on the possible construction of an Anglo-French-German airbus, what undertaking he has received from British European Airways as to how many of these aircraft they would purchase.
§ 14. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister of Technology what, in view of Lufthansa's statement about their aircraft purchasing intentions for the 1970s, is the present position of the Anglo-French-German airbus project.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe project is going well. National airline commitments are neither required nor expected before next summer, when the aircraft will be fully specified and priced.
§ Sir E. ErringtonWill the hon. Gentleman, if necessary, be prepared to exercise compulsion on B.E.A. to buy this aircraft?
§ Mr. StonehouseI am fully satisfied that when this aircraft is defined, B.E.A., which has a requirement in the 1970s for an aircraft of this size and type, will wish to buy it.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsMy hon. Friend will be aware that British manufacturers are required to build down to a noise level. Can he give an assurance that this international project will equally be required to comply with the noise level applied to British manufacturers?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe are confident that the European airbus, because it will have the RB207 engine, will be significantly quieter than existing aircraft flying on European routes.
§ Mr. FortescueIn view of the notable lack of interest and enthusiasm by both Lufthansa and B.E.A. in this aircraft, would the Minister maintain his previous statement that 75 orders are necessary before this aircraft will go ahead?
§ Mr. StonehouseI cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. Airlines in Europe are taking a very great interest indeed in the European airbus, and B.E.A. is assisting in advising on the project during its development stage. I confirm that we will require a commitment of 75 before we go ahead to the next stage, but I do not share the gloom and depression that seems to emanate from the Opposition.