§ 36. Mr. R. Carrasked the Minister of Technology what studies he has made of the potential market for a 200-seater shorthaul civil aircraft; and how this compares in quantity and timing with the likely market for a 250-seater aircraft.
§ Mr. StonehouseStudies have been made by my staff of the market for various sizes of aircraft over a range from 150 to 300 seats. As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 28th February last, joint studies by my Department with French and German officials have established that there will be a substantial world market during the 1970's for shorthaul aircraft of about 250 seats. My Department's view is that an aircraft of this size has a better market potential than a 200 seater because it offers the prospect of lower fares.