§ 9. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a further statement about the progress of the Concord project.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe structure of the first prototype is now virtually complete, and installation of the various internal systems has begun. The second prototype is also in an advanced state of construction. Structural and functional tests of various large specially-constructed airframe components are now well under way. Eleven Olympus 593 engines have been delivered and over 1,200 hours of test-bed running has been logged in Britain and France.
§ Mr. HastingsWhile agreeing with the hon. Gentleman that this progress is in many ways most satisfactory, may I ask whether he can tell the House something about the financing of production in future, as this is something in which we are all interested?
§ Mr. StonehouseThere is no hold-up in the development of the production phase, and advance materials and equipment have been bought for that.
§ Mr. LubbockWhat proposals has the hon. Gentleman made to help display the Concord mock-up to British citizens on a permanent site in central London?
§ Mr. StonehouseThat is another question, but we hope that the firm has been able to find a site to display this extraordinarily good mock-up, which my right hon. Friend and I saw in Paris last weekend.
§ Mr. EllisIs my hon. Friend aware that the firms engaged in the financing of the production models are expecting a decision by the end of June or perhaps in July? Can he assure us that the finance arrangements will be made by then?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe Ministry is, of course, in close contact with the firms about this, and I have no reason to think that any essential decisions will be delayed.
§ Mr. R. CarrBut since it appears likely that a decision will be needed before the hon. Gentleman next answers Questions, could he undertake to make a statement to the House when the decision has been made?
§ Mr. StonehouseThere is no need for a statement, because no earth-shattering decision will be made. We are phasing into the development of the production phase and, as far as I know, there is no hold-up to this.
§ 16. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Technology at what date it will be possible for airlines to be given full details of performance and costs of Concord in order that firm orders can be placed for this aircraft.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe manufacturers aim to start converting existing options into orders based on firm specifications 774 and prices during the autumn of 1968, about six months after first flight.
§ Mr. McMasterDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise the importance of placing firm orders as quickly as possible; and will he do his best to expedite this?
§ Mr. StonehouseI do not think that it could be expected that the options could be converted until towards the end of next year.
§ 18. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Technology what monthly rate of production is planned for the Concord in Great Britain and France, respectively, once production gets under way
§ Mr. StonehouseCurrent plans provide for a rate of three a month from the British and French assembly lines taken together.
§ Mr. MillsThat is all very well, but when does the hon. Gentleman expect metal to be cut for the production model? Is he aware that if we are to maintain our lead, these plans must be advanced as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe will begin to cut metal for production aircraft as soon as the development phase, which is going ahead very well, is further advanced.