Concorde (Hansard, 20 October 1975)

§ 1. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a further statement on Concorde production.

§ 10. Mr. Brotherton
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the future of Concorde.

§ The Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. Eric G. Varley)
The authorised production programme of 16 Concordes is continuing as planned. Aircraft 205 and 206 are to make their first flights in the near future, and will be delivered to Air France and British Airways in time for these airlines to start commercial services on 21st January 1976.

§ Mr. McNair-Wilson
Was the Secretary of State consulted by his opposite 2 number in the Department of Trade before the potentially damaging figures about the aircraft's noise levels on takeoff and landing were announced last week? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that statement will help sales prospects for the aircraft? How soon will BAC have to lay off employees if further orders are not forthcoming?

§ Mr. Varley
Of course, my Department was consulted by the Department of Trade. We thought it right that the figures should be published, and their publication will be generally welcomed. The level of employment is a matter primarily for the manufacturers to decide in the light of their overall production programme. The Government will be discussing prospects on this front with BAC.

§ Mr. Brotherton
The House will welcome the Secretary of State's reply, but will he give an assurance that the maximum effort will be made to publicise the views of those who were selected by ballot to fly in this aircraft so that the world may know that passengers in it are thoroughly satisfied with its performance?

§ Mr. Varley
I do whatever I can to make sure that those who had the opportunity of flying in Concorde can say what a superb aircraft it is. I have not yet had the opportunity of flying in it, but my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary has, and he confirms that it is a superb aircraft.

§ Mr. MacFarquhar
As a result of last week's report, is there any danger of 3 Concorde's not being allowed to use Heathrow airport?

§ Mr. Varley
This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade. I can only advise my hon. Friend to take the matter up with him.

§ Mr. Tebbit
Since the "front end" of the production line of authorised production is already empty, does the Secretary of State intend to authorise further production before any new orders are confirmed?

§ Mr. Varley
The Government have clearly stated that the only production we are embarked on at the moment is the completion of the 16 aircraft. We should want to examine carefully future prospects, but we have taken no decision about going beyond the 16.