§ 12. Mr. Marten asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the acquisition of further aircraft by British European Airways.
§ Mr. JayThe Government are considering a proposal made to me by B.E.A. on 24th February for the purchase of a number of BAC2–11s, an aircraft whose characteristics have been evolved by the manufacturers, in consultation with B.E.A., during recent months. B.E.A.'s proposal, which raises a number of important issues, is now under consideration, and I will make a statement to the House in due course.
§ Mr. MartenDoes the Minister agree that the BAC2–11 is an essential intermediate aeroplane for B.E.A., and that it should not be confused in the Government's mind with the much larger 300-seater airbus? Can he give an assurance that he will see those two aeroplanes as quite separate?
§ Mr. JayThere is no confusion whatever in my mind between the 2–11 and the airbus, which are totally separate. On the technical, economic and other merits of the 2–11, I must reserve judgment until we have had time to examine the evidence, which is distinctly complicated.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the Minister aware that one of the reasons for the relatively poor export performance of the British aircraft industry is that too much attention has been paid to the whims of B.E.A.? Will he, therefore, carefully consider before allowing an order for the 2–11 to go ahead, in view of the possible consequences for the go-ahead on the airbus?
§ Mr. JayWe want to see a good performance of both British civil aviation and the British aircraft industry. I would not agree with the hon. Member's sweeping statement about the poor performance of the British aircraft industry.
§ Mr. LubbockI said "relatively poor".
§ Mr. BurdenWould the Minister encourage consultation with the independents, some of which could be very big purchasers of this aircraft, to get their views on the specification? That could be very important to the future of the aircraft.