HC Deb 19 December 1967 vol 756 cc1075-6
12. Sir E. Errington

asked the Minister of Technology what evidence he has received of interest by foreign airlines in the British Aircraft Corporation 211 aircraft.

16. Mr. Monro

asked the Minister of Technology what evidence he has received of interest by foreign airlines in the Hawker-Siddeley Trident 3B aircraft.

Mr. Stonehouse

I have kept in close touch with the manufacturers about the overseas sales prospects of the Trident 3B and the BAC 211 but the details must remain commercially confidential as no overseas airline has made a public announcement about an option for either aircraft.

Sir E. Errington

Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that the people who have shown an interest will have an opportunity to study these matters?

Mr. Stonehouse

We have not had any indication from an overseas airline of any concrete interest in the BAC 211 or the Trident 3B. We will give every assistance to the manufacturers of British aircraft to promote sales of their planes abroad. That will always apply.

Mr. Fortescue

Would the Minister confirm that if either of these aircraft were to be ordered by South African airlines, the same support would be given to the aircraft companies concerned as if they were ordered by any other airline?

Mr. Stonehouse

Of course. We are very anxious to support the sale of civil aircraft to any part of the world.