HL Deb 08 May 1969 vol 301 c1263
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 B.O.A.C. are considering plans now for increasing their existing fleet of VC 10 aircraft or whether they are likely to favour a further order of American Boeing 707 aircraft.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I understand that B.O.A.C. are hoping to purchase two convertible Boeing 707s, needed for non-scheduled operations starting next year.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that disappointing reply, may I ask him whether he can advise us what load factor the VC 10 has so far accomplished on average over the last three years, in comparison with the Boeing 707?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I am sorry that I cannot give that figure off the cuff, but it really is not relevant to the noble Lord's Question. Unfortunately, as I understand it, there are no VC 10s available for this type of operation.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the present VC 10 production line is still operating or whether it has officially closed down?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I was hoping that the noble Earl would not press me about this. I myself wish very much that the Corporation had ordered more VC 10s some while ago. Nevertheless it is in any case a convertible aircraft which the Corporation need. It is not, however, now convenient for the B.A.C. to accept orders for two special aircraft.

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