B.O.A.C. (U.S. Aircraft)

HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc393-4

5. Mr. McMaster

asked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has held, since devaluation, with the management of British Overseas Airways Corporation regarding their proposed purchases of aircraft from the United States of America.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The Board of Trade has been in close touch with B.O.A.C. and is satisfied that devaluation has not weakened the case for the five additional U.S. aircraft which B.O.A.C. proposes to buy.

Mr. McMaster

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the growth of air traffic in Britain is sufficiently rapid to warrant the purchase of United States jumbo jets? Is he also satisfied that there is a reasonable prospect of them operating at a profit?

Mr. Mallalieu

Yes, Sir. So far as one can possibly forecast, I think that is so.