HC Deb 29 January 1962 vol 652 cc57-8W
71. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Aviation, what negotiations have taken place with the United States authorities concerning the fitment of navigational equipment to the Vickers Viscount aircraft sold to the People's Republic of China.

74 and 75. Commander Kerans

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) what is the security classification of the navigational equipment required for the Viscount airliners being supplied to China;

(2) what steps he is taking in conjunction with the United States Government to expedite the supply of navigational equipment from the United States of America needed by a British firm in connection with the supply of Viscount airliners to China.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The navigational equipment on order for the six Viscounts sold to China is of British design and is produced in this country. It is not military equipment and is therefore unclassified from a security point of view. I understand that the contract is now in force, and that some anxieties have been expressed in the United States on this matter. Discussions with them are continuing, but I am not in a position to disclose details.