HC Deb 10 July 1968 vol 768 cc518-9
19. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be able to announce a decision on British European Airways' orders for the A300 airbus.

Mr. William Rodgers

Any such decision must await the outcome of the studies being undertaken by the British, French and German Governments.

Mr. Fortescue

Since, to state the case as moderately as I can, there is a certain doubt that the A300 will ever be built, will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that contingency plans are already in being for the construction of an all-British successor to the Trident 3B for B.E.A. and the world market?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not think that I can give any such assurance, but B.E.A. is fully aware of the possibilities. I think that we can trust it to be commercially wise and to be fully aware of any developments taking place.

Mr. Corfield

But since negotiations about the A300 are approaching a very difficult and probably critical stage, will the hon. Gentleman bring to the attention of the Prime Minister the very real concern of the aircraft industry and this side of the House over his removal at such a critical moment of the Minister who has had such long experience of dealing with the people concerned and very considerable experience in the technicalities involved?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not know which of two Ministers the hon. Gentleman is referring to, but I am sure that my right hon. Friend will note what the hon. Gentleman says.