HC Deb 27 April 1970 vol 800 cc198-9W
60. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his official flight in Concorde.

Mr. Benn:

I flew in Concorde on a routine test flight, on 10th April. The flight lasted for just under two hours of which some 25 minutes was at supersonic speed. I was most impressed by the smooth way in which the aircraft performed and by its flying qualities generally. I am sure that the airlines will find Concorde a very attractive aircraft.

66. Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Technology what representations he has received from those concerned in the Concorde programme concerning technical improvements brought to his notice as a result of the development programme.

Mr. Benn:

As is usual when aircraft are in course of development, many improvements have been made to the original design.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Technology to what extent under the Anglo-French Concorde Agreement 1962 Her Majesty's Government are obliged to enter upon series production of the aircraft.

Mr. Carmichael:

Neither Government would wish to go ahead with production regardless of the circumstances. The production programme will continue to he kept under review.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Technology what revised estimate he has made, following the official proposal of the President of the United States of America that commercial supersonic flying over the United States of America will not be permitted, of the number of firm orders that will be placed for the Concorde.

Mr. Carmichael:

Our assessments of the Concorde market have always assumed that at least initially there would be a ban on commercial supersonic flying over the United States.