Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Civil Aviation how many Solent flying boats his Department took over from the British Overseas Airways Corporation; at what price; on what date; and how many he still has.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThese aircraft were never owned by B.O.A.C. but were purchased from the manufacturers by my Department at a cost of about £150,000 each. Delivery of the first aircraft was made in April, 1948. They were hired to the Corporation until 1950, and of the 17 boats then left in the hands of my Department, six have been sold and 11 are still on sale.
Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Civil Aviation what is the total annual cost of maintaining the Solent flying boats in Northern Ireland; and what price he is asking for their sale.
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§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe cost of maintenance during 1951–52 was approximately £5,700. The price asked is £35,000 each, but my Department is prepared to consider reasonable offers.