Mr. Waldensasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has reached a decision on the request by the British Overseas Airways Corporation for approval to order more Boeing 747 aircraft: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CroslandYes. Approval has been given for B.O.A.C. to purchase five more Boeing 747 aircraft for delivery during 1972 in addition to the six already on order. These aircraft are needed for B.A.O.C.'s requirements for large sub-sonic aircraft in the early 1970s, and do not affect their requirements for super-sonic aircraft. A decision on the option held by B.O.A.C. for a sixth additional aircraft will be considered in 1968. The dollar expenditure involved is to be financed by B.O.A.C. through overseas borrowings and these borrowings may eventually necessitate an increase in the present statutory limits applicable to B.O.A.C. under Section 16 of the Air Corporations Act, 1967. At the appropriate time the House will be asked to approve the increase.