§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware that, despite an assurance given to Parliament in 96W March, 1955, that the ten Douglas DC 7C airliners ordered by the British Overseas Airways Corporation would be sold for dollars when Britannias were delivered, these aircraft remain unsold; and, in view of this undertaking and the importance of dollars to the exchange reserves of the United Kingdom, if he will consult with the Corporation to ascertain the present situation regarding such sales, whilst there is still a demand for such second-hand aircraft in the United States of America.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe aircraft have not so far been sold because the Government decided in 1958, when Parliament was informed, and on a further review in 1960, that the balance of advantage to the British aviation industry lay in allowing the British Overseas Airways Corporation to keep them in revenue-earning service. With the exception of the two converted for all freight work, the aircraft are now being withdrawn from service altogether and will be sold by the Corporation to the best advantage.