§ 15. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Technology what studies he has made of the potential market for the Trident 3B; what its development cost will be; and how its operating costs will compare with other equivalent British and United States aircraft.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe potential market for the Trident 3B was studied by the Department last year when the aircraft was first offered to British European Airways and has recently been reappraised. The launching costs of the aircraft have been estimated by Hawker Siddeley to be some £17 million and its operating costs per seat-mile would compare favourably with other equivalent aircraft.
§ Mr. McMasterI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Are the Government prepared to support this project or else to support the BAC 211 project 779 so that this country does not fall behind in developing a suitable alternative to the airbus and to ensure that we are able to benefit from this type of production?
§ Mr. StonehouseThere are several aircraft projects now under consideration to fill what is sometimes referred to as the "B.E.A. interim requirement"—although that is, perhaps, a misleading term. The decision about the airbus is, in fact, a separate decision.