§ Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he has approved the purchase by British Overseas Airways Corporation of a new aircraft following the loss of the Boeing 707 in the accident at Heathrow on 8th April.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuYes. Following the unfortunate loss of a Boeing 707–436 in the accident at Heathrow on 8th April, B.O.A.C. found themselves faced with an immediate and serious shortage of capacity which would continue to be felt for a substantial period. Since it was not possible to overcome the problem by accelerating delivery of any aircraft already on order, B.O.A.C. decided, with the approval of my right hon. Friend, to take advantage of an immediate opportunity of buying a Boeing 707–320C in 211W course of construction from Saturn Airways which can be delivered in June. The dollar expenditure involved will be financed by B.O.A.C. through overseas borrowings.