§ 79. Mr. Straussasked the Minister of Aviation what other designs for transport aircraft were submitted when the Britannic design was accepted; in what way the Britannic was superior to the others; why no contract has yet been signed for the purchase of this aircraft; and whether he now proposes to conclude such a contract.
§ Mr. SandysIn addition to the Britannic, new designs proposed by A. V. Roe and Blackburns and freighter versions of the Vickers V.C. 10 and the Handley Page Victor were considered for adoption by R.A.F. Transport Command as a strategic freighter.
The Britannic was chosen primarily on military grounds to meet the military requirements, in particular that of an ability to carry especially heavy and bulky loads. In addition, it was the Government's view that the aircraft would be of interest to civil operators.
My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained to the House in the Adjournment Debate on 4th May last the reasons why the contract negotiations have been somewhat protracted. It is my expectation that the contract will be placed soon. An interim contract has been placed in order to obviate any delay in the programme.