HC Deb 18 January 1972 vol 829 cc132-3W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what stage has been reached in his international discussions on the Concorde supersonic air corridors; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Davies

As regards supersonic flight over land I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Putney (Mr. Hugh Jenkins) on 17th January. Tentative air traffic routes have been developed internationally for Concorde operations over the North Atlantic and cover, in particular, the approaches to Europe. An I.C.A.O. North Atlantic regional meeting is planned to take place about one year before Concorde enters commercial service with the object of finalising these arrangements.—[Vol. 829, c.3.]

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration has been given to the joint maintenance and engineering of the British and French Concorde aircraft; what discussions on this matter have taken place with other airlines; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Davies

The airlines, in consultation with the manufacturers, are considering the possibilities of sharing Concorde maintenance.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications have passed between him and the British Overseas Airways Corporation since Her Majesty's Government decided on the financial backing of Concorde production aircraft relating in particular to British Overseas Airways Corporation options on Concorde now being made firm orders.

Mr. John Davies

My Department is in touch with B.O.A.C. Negotiations for the purchase of the aircraft are for the airlines to conduct with the manufacturers.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will increase the British Overseas Airways Corporation's borrowing powers and allow the extension of public dividend capital in a manner that will allow the British Overseas Airways Corporation to use it for the initial purchase and operations of Concorde aircraft.

Mr. John Davies

The borrowing limits of the Airways Board are set out in Section 46 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1971. No change is presently envisaged. The Act empowers me to issue to the board fresh public dividend capital within the limits in Section 46. No decision to do so has been made.