§ THE EARL OF KINNOULLMy 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 they will now make a further statement on their participation in a British air-bus project.]
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, the British Aircraft Corporation are keeping us informed of the progress of their twin-engined 250-seater BAC 3–11 project which has been under evaluation. No firm proposals are vet before the Government. Any project would be judged by the same stringent economic criteria as were applied to the A.300B.
§ THE EARL OF KINNOULLMy Lords. I should like to thank the noble Lord for that reply. Could he indicate how soon the Government expect to receive the proposals, and whether the Government would insist at that stage on a minimum provisional list of orders from B.A.C.?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, this is largely in the hands of the B.A.C.; it is their project and I understand that they want to ascertain for themselves the market potential of this aircraft before they come forward with any proposition.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, could the noble Lord give any indication, once Her Majesty's Government have received the evaluation, how long they will require to make up their minds?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, that is a theoretical question.
§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, does the noble Lord's reply mean that the 1026 Government have definitely decided not to offer any asistance to the A.300B project?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, no. What has been decided about the A.300B at this stage was stated quite clearly by my right honourable friend in answer to a Question in the other place on April 16.
§ THE EARL OF KINNOULLMy Lords, could the noble Lord say whether any talks have ensued with the Lockheed Company to collaborate with the British project?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I understand that there have been talks, and that a most useful opportunity has been opened up. For the time being the talks are in suspense.