§ 19. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will make a statement on progress with the liquidation of the Beagle Aircraft Company.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe liquidation is progessing satisfactorily. A considerable part of the company's assets has been sold and a majority of creditor's claims have been settled. The Rearsby factory has been closed down and the Liquidator is currently negotiating the disposal of the remaining assets at Shoreham.
§ Mr. OnslowCan my right hon. Friend tell the House how much public money has been lost, and can he specifically say what is to become of the Royal Swedish Airforce Bulldog order?
§ Mr. CorfieldI am not in a position to answer the first part of my hon. Friend's question as yet, because this will depend on the price at which the remaining assets are sold. As to the Swedish order for Bulldogs and for product support of other Beagle aircraft, I am glad to say that it has been possible to dispose of these liabilities to Scottish Aviation, and I hope that this support ensures that we shall very much reduce possible claims for breach of contract which otherwise might have had to be levied against the company.