§ 20. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Concorde aircraft he proposes to order for delivery in the mid-1970s to replace slower troop-carrying jet aircraft.
§ Mr. John MorrisNone, Sir.
§ Sir G. NabarroBefore the Government commit themselves to buying jumbo jets or other American troop-carrying aircraft for the 1970s, would it not be a good idea if they set about thinking that British aircraft should be employed, such as the Concorde, which is at least largely British, as an alternative to pouring out our treasure to buy foreign machines which we can build ourselves in the first place more cheaply and more efficiently than any American firm can build them?
§ Mr. MorrisI am not sure when the hon. Gentleman discovered this new form of indignation. The Military Aircraft (Loans) Act was discussed in 1966, and it is not recorded that the hon. Gentleman voted in any Division on it. Second, I do not think that the hon. Gentleman understands the purpose of the Concorde. Third, as regards British transport forces in the air, our present force is now composed of new aircraft and will not need replacing for some time.