HC Deb 26 April 1976 vol 910 cc21-2
24. Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the outcome of his negotiations with the Indian Government concerning permission for Concorde to overfly India.

Mr. Dell

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies my predecessor gave to similar Questions on 9th February 1976.

Mr. Holland

Whatever may or may not have been the view of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Government ought to expend at least as much money and effort in the task of opening up the Singapore-Sydney route to Concorde as was applied to the task of opening up the North Atlantic route, particularly as the Singapore-Sydney route is potentially more profitable?

Mr. Dell

I agree entirely with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of developing this route.

Mr. Cryer

What success have we had in selling Concorde? Have we yet achieved the 500 models predicted 10 years or so ago? If we are not having significant success in selling Concorde, is it not time that we abandoned the venture and the very heavy subsidy that the taxpayer is making towards this financial disaster?

Mr. Dell

I do not think that there is any secrecy about the sales figures for Concorde. Now that the aircraft is in service, it is surely in our interests to see that it is as successful as possible.

Mr. Tebbit

Does not the right hon. Gentleman admit that it is about time we achieved some results in this matter? Does he not agree that, despite the damage done to this country in the past two years, we still ought to have enough muscle to achieve a diplomatic understanding with India that it is in her interests that she should not obstruct our trade to Australia with this aircraft?

Mr. Dell

I shall certainly consider whether it would be appropriate to recommence discussions with India on this.