§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of State for Defence by whose authority a Royal Air Force aeroplane was put at the disposal of the British Aircraft Company for the transport of certain of its employees engaged in servicing the Concorde on its present sales tour; on how many occasions previously this facility has been afforded to private companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord LambtonThe decision to make two Royal Air Force aircraft available in support of the current tour by Concorde was taken in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. It reflects the complex nature of the support task and is in accord with the Government's declared policy of support for the Concorde project. The aircraft are on loan to the Department of Trade and Industry under the command and operation of Royal Air Force personnel. Assistance of a similar kind has been provided on a number of occasions by the Royal Air Force in support of sales promotion.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of State for Defence what was the cost of providing an aircraft to enable employees of the British Aircraft Corporation to accompany the present sales tour of the Concorde; by whom this cost will be borne; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord LambtonThe cost is being met by the Department of Trade and Industry and is included in the provisional figure of £50,000 referred to in my answer to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. William Rodgers) on 8th June.—[Vol. 838, c.135.]
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of State for Defence where it is proposed to train British Overseas Airways Corporation pilots for flying Concordes; and when it is anticipated training flights will commence.
§ Mr. OnslowI have been asked to reply.
Initial crew training will be provided by the manufacturers and will begin early 164W in 1974. BOAC has not decided where and how to handle the crew training which falls to it.