HL Deb 05 July 1978 vol 394 cc987-8

2.59 p.m.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

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 what steps they are taking to sell or lease Concordes to Pan American and TWA.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, the chairman and chief executive of Pan American has recently publicly stated his airline's intention to take a further serious look at the Concorde aircraft. We welcome this declaration, and the manufacturers have been asked to report on the nature and extent of the airline's interest in Concorde, and to suggest how it might best be met. Trans-World Airlines have indicated that they have no current plans to operate the aircraft.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that rather satisfactory Answer, may I ask whether he can give any idea of how long he anticipates the negotiations will continue? Should they continue satisfactorily, would it be British Airways or Pan American who will maintain this particular aircraft? Lastly, does the noble Lord realise that for two or three years I have advocated that Concorde should be leased? If this one works, will the Government use their best endeavours to lease the remaining Concordes to other airlines?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, the noble Earl has asked a number of questions, but the key question which immediately concerns us is this: When can a decision be expected? This is a complex matter affecting a number of parties. The airline's chairman and chief executive has indicated that Pan Am's own analysis is still at an early stage and it will not be rushed. This is very much the position of Her Majesty's Government and the manufacturers.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, I appreciate that answer from the noble Lord. Is he able to confirm that, should this matter go well, they will endeavour to lease the other aircraft which at present are unsold or unleased?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, I would have thought that was blindingly obvious. We do not want these beautiful aircraft sitting on the ground doing nothing.