HC Deb 05 June 1972 vol 838 cc5-6W
38. Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to explain to Parliament and to the public how the first supersonic commercial aircraft was built in the United Kingdom and at what cost; and what its prospects are of sales and further development.

Mr. Onslow

The House has been and will be kept informed about progress and the estimated development costs. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace announced to the House on 25th May.—[Vol. 837, c. 1646–54.]—BOAC has decided to order five aircraft. An Air France order is expected shortly. Contract negotiations will follow with other airlines. On future development, I have nothing to add to the answer given to the right hon. Member on 15th May.

56. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the present position regarding airline orders for Concorde.

Mr. Onslow

As my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace informed the House on 25th May, BOAC will shortly be placing an order for five Concordes. The manufacturers are pursuing then-negotiations with Air France and will shortly be starting contract negotiations with other option holders.

59. Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has now concluded his negotiations with the British Aircraft Corporation and the British Overseas Airways Corporation concerning sales of the Concorde aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Onslow

I would refer the right hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace on 25th May, 1972.—[Vol. 837, c. 1646–54.]

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the first of the five Concordes now on order for British Overseas Airways Corporation will come into service; whether as a result of the order a further batch of production aircraft will be sanctioned; and what effect the British Overseas Airways Corporation order will have on the numbers of persons employed in the project.

Mr. Onslow

BOAC intends to start Concorde services in spring, 1975. Its order will not have an immediate effect on the production programme or the numbers employed on the project since 16 production aircraft are already under construction.