§ Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress he is able to report in the negotiations between the British Overseas Airways Corporation and de Havillands for the construction of an aircraft sufficiently flexible to meet its needs, and command a ready sale in world markets; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAn aircraft was evolved by de Havillands to meet a specification provided by B.O.A.C. for a pure jet all-purpose aircraft which could serve both the North Atlantic and Eastern Hemisphere routes. Unfortunately, the prospects for sale overseas of this aircraft do not appear to be promising and there is no advantage in producing an aircraft which would be used by B.O.A.C. only. B.O.A.C. is accordingly discussing with de Havillands and with a number 175W of other companies alternative possibilities, including that of producing an alternative aircraft not designed for non-stop Transatlantic operation which may have more of a world-wide appeal.