§ 16. Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will make a statement on the position with regard to access for Concorde to Kennedy Air port.
§ Mr. DellI am disappointed that the New York authorities have not yet given their approval for Concorde. We and the French have been in touch with the United States Administration at the highest level. We are considering what further action might be appropriate.
§ Mr. HastingsIs it not the case that Air France and British Airways are 19 operating Concorde to Washington with a 90 per cent. load factor? Does not the evidence to date indicate that the noise levels and the environmental impact do not constitute a problem? In these circumstances, I agree wholeheartedly with what the right hon. Gentleman has said and suggest that he should bring the maximum pressure to bear on the new American Administration about what to us must be an entirely unsatisfactory and unacceptable delay. Would it not help if he pressed on with the introduction of services to the Far East, which might serve powerfully to concentrate American minds and also the minds of those considering orders for Concorde in that part of the world?
§ Mr. DellWe are bringing pressure to bear on the United States Government. We have indicated to them that this is a matter with which public opinion both in this country and, we believe, in France is deeply concerned. The development of services to the Far East is a matter for other countries besides this one and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, there are certain problems. I do not think that we should be diverted from the present problem of getting Concorde into New York as our principal objective in the development of this aircraft's international routes.
§ Mr. AdleyHas not the "dirty tricks brigade" in New York had the field to itself long enough? In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said, and as the previous American Federal Administration were known to be helpful, will the right hon. Gentleman put it to President Carter that we shall regard it as a test of the sincerity of his commitment to fair play that the trial authorised by former Secretary Coleman should be allowed to take place as soon as possible, and that that trial will disprove all the fabrications by the anti-Concorde industry in New York?
§ Mr. DellThe hon. Gentleman can be assured that we have made our feelings plain to the United States authorities at the highest level. I would not agree that the field has been left to the "dirty tricks brigade". On the contrary, a successful exhibition organised by the Consuls-General of France and Britain has persuaded a considerable segment of influential New York opinion that it 20 would be valuable if Concorde were allowed into New York.
§ Mr. JayIs my right hon. Friend pushing energetically enough for the inauguration of regular flights to the Far East and Australia, since it is highly desirable to get this matter settled as soon as possible?
§ Mr. DellYes, we are pressing. On the other hand, my right hon. Friend must remember that there are problems regarding transit of India which are not yet resolved, and there are also problems relating to the availability of aircraft and trained crews. The question we have to decide is where our priorities lie. I have indicated that in my judgment—and I think that British Airways agree—the first priority is to get Concorde into New York.
§ Mr. NottIs the Secretary of State aware that our negotiating position is very strong in this matter? Is he further aware that he has the full support of the Conservative Party for getting Concorde into New York and that we wish him the best success in his endeavours?