Concorde

HC Deb 17 April 1972 vol 835 cc7-8W

48. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current position concerning orders for Concorde.

Mr. John Davies

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Dykes).

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions have ensued or will proceed with regard to the French Government's demand that the training of pilots for the Concorde should be under French control and with the use of French-controlled simulators; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that British flight simulator firms are given every opportunity to use their products and to train pilots of the Concorde on British-made flight simulators.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

No such view has been expressed by the French Government. Discussions are proceeding to establish the most efficient arrangement for Concorde simulator facilities. United Kingdom firms will be given the opportunity to submit tenders for this equipment.