HC Deb 03 November 1969 vol 790 cc21-3W
Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Technology if it is still his forecast that the Government-owned Beagle Aircraft Company Limited, with its total working capital of about £6 million of public funds by 1972, will be able to break even with a sales volume of between £5 million and £6 million by that year.

Mr. Carmichael

My right hon. Friend is currently considering proposals by the Board of Beagle Aircraft Ltd. for the long-term expansion of the company and will make a statement as soon as possible.

Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Technology whether the Beagle Aircraft Company Limited, wholly owned by Her Majesty's Government, has yet captured the 4 per cent. to 5 per cent. of the total world market of upwards of 12,000 light aircraft a year, as forecast by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology on 14th March, 1968.

Mr. Carmichael

On 14th March, 1968, during the Committee stage of the Industrial Expansion Bill the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology said that Beagle needed to capture 4 to 5 per cent. of the world market to establish an economic and profitable programme but did not suggest that this could be achieved by 1969. The statement clearly referred to the company's long-term programme and related to a period which is still some way ahead.

Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Technology how many members of the Board of the Government-owned Beagle Aircraft Company Limited hold other public appointments to which they have been nominated by the Government; and if he will name them and state their salaries and allowances in their other official capacities.

Mr. Carmichael

The only member of the Board cf Beagle Aircraft Ltd. to hold another public appointment is Mr. P. G. Masefield, who is also Chairman of the British Airports Authority. Mr. Masefield's salary in this capacity is £6,600 per annum, as given in the statement laid before the House of 7th July, 1969.

Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Technology how many Government-appointed directors serve on the Board of the wholly Government-owned Beagle Aircraft Company Limited; and if he will name them and state their respective salaries and allowances.

Mr.Carmichael

All directors of Beagle Aircraft Ltd. are formally appointed by the Government. At present the Board consists of two part-time and three full-time members with executive duties. They are Mr. P. G. Masefield, Mr. T. N. Ritchie, Mr. K. N. Myer, Mr. G. C. J. Larroucau and Mr. J. B. MacKirdy.

Information on the directors' emoluments will be included in the company's statutory accounts, which will be published in accordance with the Companies Acts.

Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Technology whether the value for money basis of the wholly Government-owned Beagle Aircraft Company Limited was scrutinised by the Elstub Committee during its investigation into the productivity and efficiency of the British national aircraft effort.

Mr. Carmichael

No.