§ 13. Mr. Corfieldasked the President of the Board of Trade what aircraft are will be adequate to enable the British Overseas Airways Corporation; when delivery is expected; whether he is satisfied that the resultant increase in capacity will be adequate to enable the British Overseas Airways Corporation to retain its existing share of trans-Atlantic passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. William Rodgers)B.O.A.C. has on order two Boeing 707s, one of them for use as a freighter, for delivery within the next few weeks; three Super VC10s for delivery between now and February, 1969; and 11 Boeing 747s for delivery between February, 1970 and April, 1972. This increase of capacity should be sufficient to enable B.O.A.C. at least to maintain its share of the market.
§ Mr. CorfieldIs it not abundantly clear that policies aimed at maximum profit and policies aimed at a maximum share of the market are becoming mutually exclusive, and is it not time that we looked to the regaining of our increasing share of the market by adopting a more liberal attitude to the applications of independent operators?
§ Mr. RodgersThere are a number of difficult questions of judgment here. The factors mentioned by the hon. Gentleman are relevant, but, as he knows, the Edwards Committee is now sitting, and, as a result of its deliberations, we shall, I am sure, be able to see the way clearer.