HC Deb 10 July 1968 vol 768 c520
32. Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has formed of the expenditure by independent British airline operators on the purchase of aircraft of United States manufacture in the period up to 1973.

Mr. William Rodgers

There is no reliable basis for making a precise estimate; but recent experience suggests that expenditure of this kind by independent airlines may run at about £10 million a year.

Mr. Onslow

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the lower the figure for purchases of aircraft from America the better for us. Will the hon. Gentleman do his utmost to ensure that our independent operators and manufacturers are in a proper position to provide British aircraft to British airlines?

Mr. Rodgers

The answer is "Yes" to both questions.

Mr. Robert Howarth

Does my hon. Friend agree that devaluation has made certain British aircraft particularly attractive, which is resulting in changes of mind by some of the airlines mentioned by the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow)?

Mr. Rodgers

I understand that to be so.