§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Aviation what progress is being made on the de Havilland Trident; and when this aircraft is likely to be put into commercial production, in view of the fact that its stall characteristics and landing gear do not meet with the requirements of overseas markets.
§ Mr. AmeryProgress on the Trident is satisfactory. The aircraft is already in commercial production. First deliveries to British European Airways should be made ahead of schedule and work is in progress on the first export order. A considerable amount of test flying has already been carried out and has shown that slow speed handling and stall characteristics are entirely satisfactory. There is no question of the landing gear not fully meeting the requirements of operators.