§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the President of the Board of Trade what correspondence he has had with British European Airways regarding its requirement for civilian aircraft; and when a decision will be made about the order of the Hawker Siddeley Trident 3-B aircraft.
§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:My right hon. Friend's statement of 15th December last recounted his discussions with British European Airways about its aircraft requirements, and reported the Government's readiness to meet a share of the launching costs of the Trident 3-B and to approve the purchase of that aircraft by B.E.A., should it so decide. It is now for B.E.A., in the light of that statement, 586W to review its requirements and to formulate firm proposals as to the type and numbers of aircraft it wishes to order. My right hon. Friend has expressed to B.E.A. the hope that it will be able to do this very soon.—[Vol. 756, c. 779–784.]