§ 3. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what further discussions he has had with British Airways about the entry of Concorde into service with that airline.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Clinton Davis)I continue to keep in close touch with British Airways on their plans for Concorde services.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonHas the Minister seen the statement by the chairman of British Airways that he now wants Concorde "the sooner, the better"? In those circumstances, may I ask whether he has discussed with the Chairman of British Airways the possibility of setting up a joint operation with Air France which would enable Concorde to come into operation many months sooner than is at present expected?
§ Mr. DavisI have seen the observations of the Chairman of British Airways. The operation of Concorde as between Air France and British Airways is a matter for their commercial judgment.
§ Mr. GrimondIn view of the observations of the Chairman of British Airways, will the Minister give an undertaking that further subsidies will not be paid to cover the operation of this aircraft?
§ Mr. DavisWhen British Airways ordered Concorde the previous Government said that they would be prepared to review the board's financial position at the appropriate time in the light of the outcome of the board's operations and that, if necessary, steps would be taken to ensure that the board maintained a sound financial judgment. This Government stand by that undertaking, but I do not think that it is appropriate at this stage to discuss its implementation in detail.
§ Mr. William HamiltonDoes my hon. Friend still stand by the figures given in this House on 18th March by the Secretary of State for Industry? If not, which other figures does he stand by?