HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 cc785-6
2. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister of Technology what estimate he has made of the passenger surcharge obtainable by airlines on Concorde flights.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Neil Carmichael)

Our studies and those of the manufacturers suggest that airlines should be able to charge a substantial premium for the benefits Concorde will offer. The size of this premium will depend on the airlines' judgment of how Concorde can most profitably be operated.

Mr. Sheldon

In view of the statements by responsible representatives of Pan American, is it not clear that the responsibility for going ahead with the whole project rested with the Conservative Party, which did not carry out the kind of studies which we would today regard as normal and essential? Will my hon. Friend go into this further and see whether he is to get the kind of surcharge which will make this a viable proposition?

Mr. Carmichael

The decision about a surcharge and how it will operate is one for the airlines, and there are many ways in which to arrange it. Some may decide to have a single class with a surcharge while others may decide to have different classes with a surcharge relating to each. I have no doubt that Concorde will be a profitable investment for the world's airlines.

3. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister of Technology when he intends to authorise further production models of Concorde.

The Minister of Technology (Mr. Anthony Wedgwood Benn)

The release of further production authorities will be decided jointly by the British and French Governments in the light of the progress of the development programme.

Mr. Sheldon

Will my right hon. Friend make a statement to the House before proceeding further with this?

Mr. Benn

I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion. Six starts have been authorised, as the House knows. The next batch would be for a further four, to take place in the summer. Long-dated materials have been made available for the first seven to 10. The position is that I shall have to discuss this further with my French colleague before we make any more progress.

Mr. Palmer

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the Concorde project is still highly favoured in Bristol?

Mr. Benn

I do not need to be reminded of that. If any hon. Member had urged again that the project should be cancelled, I intended to take the opportunity of saying that it was time that the country took pride in this brilliant achievement.