HL Deb 17 February 1975 vol 357 cc1-3
Lord BALFOUR of INCHRYE

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, while favouring receipt of firm orders for Concorde, they would consider some lease-purchase scheme to assist capital-hungry airlines who seek to operate this type of aircraft but are, in the foreseeable future, not likely to have resources for immediate cash purchase.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of INDUSTRY (Lord Beswick)

My Lords, the Government recognise the problem facing international airlines which currently find themselves in a difficult financial position. We are prepared to consider any proposal from the manufacturers either for selling Concorde on normal credit terms or for leasing the aircraft to a potential airline customer, although we should of course be bound to take account of any cost to the Government arising from such a scheme. The requirements of individual airlines, and the fiscal arrangements relating to leasing in different countries, vary considerably. It therefore seems better to be able to respond quickly to particular opportunities which arise rather than to attempt to establish any general leasing scheme.

Lord BALFOUR of INCHRYE

My Lords, arising from that Answer, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that his reply will give a great deal of satisfaction in many quarters where the matter has not been clear hitherto?

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord.

Lord POPPLEWELL

My Lords, would my noble friend agree that it would appear that this is the type of matter which will be dealt with with very little trouble under the new legislation by which we propose to assist these industries who find themselves in great financial difficulties?

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, I was referring particularly to overseas airlines, which are not covered by the legislation which my noble friend has in mind.

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, are the Government saying clearly that they will be prepared to purchase some of these aircraft and lease them to foreign airlines? That, I submit, is the point which is not clear.

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, what I thought I had made clear is that we should be prepared to consider any scheme put to us.

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