HL Deb 18 February 1969 vol 299 cc692-3

2.49 p.m.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the BAC 311 project is yet sufficiently advanced to allow it to be considered as an alternative to the European air-bus project; and whether, if it is chosen, European collaboration could result.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, proposals for the BAC 311 project have been received from the British Aircraft Corporation and are being evaluated in the United Kingdom alongside the A 300B proposals. The Government are not yet committed to support either project, but if we decide to do so we shall hope that it will be on a basis of collaboration with Europe.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask what the Government now consider is the minimum number of orders from airlines before an air-bus project can be considered as a viable or commercial proposition?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, obviously the numbers that airlines are prepared to purchase of either aircraft would be a major factor in making a decision. The figure was 75 for the original A 300 proposal, but I think I can say that at the moment there is no definite figure which is reuired for the A 300B.

LORD TREFGARNE

My Lords, can the noble Lord confirm my definite impression from his original Answer that the Government will not support the BAC 311 unless it is revamped as a cooperative venture with some European concern?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I do not think the noble Lord should draw that conclusion from what I said. If the BAC 311 attracts orders, then obviously it will have a good case for support.

LORD TREFGARNE

My Lords, would not this therefore go against the Government's original acceptance of the Plowden recommendation that Britain should not again embark on a major transport aircraft project by itself?

LORD BESWICK

Yes, my Lords, it would go against that recommendation if one wants to interpret it rigidly; but on the basis of experience there is no reason why the United Kingdom Government should not support a United Kingdom project if it appears to be getting world airline support.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, could the noble Lord say whether the Government are still funding the British share of the development of the A 300B?

LORD BESWICK

Did the noble Earl say "funding" or "fumbling"?

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

Financing.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, at the moment, if the A 300B goes forward, we shall of course be committed to a share of the cost.