§ 18. Mr. Robert Howarthasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Minister of State to the United States of America to meet aviation interests.
§ Mr. StonehouseI met the management of the Boeing Company on 9th May and of the Lockheed company on 10th May. My purpose was to maintain the contacts I have with these companies, which I value very highly.
§ Mr. HowarthIs my hon. Friend prepared to comment on reports that he discussed with Boeing the possibility of collaboration on the airbus?
§ Mr. StonehouseI discussed with various American firms the prospects of collaboration, and the American firms appreciate that we do not rule out collaboration with them on any proposal provided that we maintain in Europe a sufficient share of the design work involved. Since my visit to America, I have reported to my French and German colleagues the results of my discussions there.
§ Mr. CorfieldCan the right hon. Gentleman confirm reports that he definitely made offers to Boeing in regard to both the airbus and the Concorde, and, if he made those offers, will he say what was the reaction of Boeing and also what was the reaction of the French Government, who also are partners in these projects?
§ Mr. StonehouseOur discussions with Boeing covered a wide field, but there were no specific proposals made from either the Boeing side or my side. We are simply looking at the broad possibilities of collaboration on aircraft for 1975 onwards which would meet the requirements of both United States and European airlines.