HC Deb 29 May 1968 vol 765 cc1826-7
23. Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his revised estimate of the date of entry into service with British European Airways of the A300 Airbus.

26. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the A300 Airbus will be the most suitable next generation aircraft for British European Airways; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

B.E.A. will certainly have a requirement in the mid-1970s for an aircraft with the characteristics of the A300 airbus, but until the specification and other particulars are available B.E.A. obviously cannot be more precise. For planning purposes the aircraft has been assumed to be in B.E.A.s fleet in or by 1975.

Mr. Onslow

Are the Government still sticking to their original timetable for a decision to go ahead in July this year? How much is the R. and D. likely to be on the aircraft? How much does the hon. Gentleman expect each airbus to cost?

Mr. Mallalieu

Questions about the development of the airbus are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.

Mr. Fortescue

Is the Minister aware that Boeing is now to build a direct competitor to the A300 airbus? Will he ensure that the A300 is exactly in line with B.E.A.'s requirements so that the airline is not once again saddled with a second-best aeroplane delivered too late for its purposes?

Mr. Mallalieu

B.E.A. and other international lines—Lufthansa and Air France—are getting out what they consider to be the ideal specifications for their requirements. I hope that the airbus will meet them.

Mr. Lubbock

Has the hon. Gentleman spoken to the Minister of State at the Ministry of Technology about his recent visit to Boeing in the United States and the possibility of co-operation with Boeing which was mentioned during that visit? Will he make a statement on the effect of this on B.E.A.s procurement plans?

Mr. Mallalieu

I have not had the opportunity of consulting my hon. Friend or hearing about his experiences there, but I shall very much welcome the chance, and shall take it.