§ 65. Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the latest estimate of £970 million as the total development costs of Concorde, as announced on 4th May, was first made and communicated to the Government.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThis estimate was agreed at the meeting my right hon. Friend and I had with our French colleague M. Chamant on 13th April.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when it is anticipated the first airline orders for Concorde will be announced.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe manufacturers are negotiating contractual terms with the initial option holders and are hoping to announce first orders shortly.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ascertain from the Civil Aviation Authority details of the Concorde simulators available for training pilots in the United Kingdom; and whether he will finance the purchase of one.
§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ascertain from the Civil Aviation Authority the cost of providing a simulator for Concorde in the United Kingdom in addition to the present simulator at Toulouse.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineDiscussions are in progress to establish the best way providing the necessary simulator capacity. The price will be a matter of commercial negotiation.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ascertain from the Civil Aviation Authority details of the evaluations made of the evacuation problems of aircraft, such as Concorde, which have fuel in their longitudinal sides; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineNo. This is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the payload figures that will be offered to the British Overseas Airways Corporation in 14W the operation of Concorde on the Atlantic, South African and Far Eastern routes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineQuestions of pay load on particular routes in an airline's network are a matter for negotiation between the manufacturer and the airline. I have nothing at present to add to the replies which I gave the right hon. Member on 4th May.—[Vol. 836, c.210.]
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to conclude his talks with the British Overseas Airways Corporation and the British Aircraft Corporation regarding the price and formula for the purchase of Concorde; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineI have at present nothing to add to the reply which I gave the right hon. Member on 4th May.—[Vol. 636, c.211.]
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans Her Majesty's Government have to initiate bilateral discussions with overseas Governments following their talks with the British Airways Board on British requirements for Concorde.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineIt is not usual to discuss fleet requirements of British airlines with overseas governments. If any matters requiring international discussions should arise, they would be sought as needed.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what requirements Her Majesty's Government has made regarding the amortisation period of the Concorde aircraft as a condition of sanctioning its purchase by the British Overseas Airways Corporation.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThis is one of many matters for consideration by BOAC and I have issued no requirements.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the studies of improvements that are taking place regarding the further development of Concorde; and what is the estimated increase in costs in each case.
15W
§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what particular aspects of Concorde are the subject of the studies at present being made of improvements which may lead to further development work; and if he will give an estimate of the costs likely to be involved.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineAny aircraft development programme involves continuing review of detailed objectives. It would be misleading to focus attention on the particular areas now under study.
§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the British Airways Board on its purchase of Concorde; and what matters have been covered in these discussions.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineI have at present nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason) on 4th May.—[Vol. 836, c. 211.]