§ Mr. James Hillasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the outcome of the recent discussions with the Americans on reciprocal validation of aircraft certificates of airworthiness.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineAs a result of these discussions a draft text of an agreement was initialled on 12th May. This text updates the present arrangements which are governed by an agreement effected by an Exchange of Notes in 1934 (Command 4773). The new agreement not only continues the present reciprocal 215W arrangements for the acceptance of each others' aircraft, but also covers aircraft engines, propellers, components and appliances. It also takes account of present-day airworthiness practice and of manufacturing arrangements under which parts of an aircraft may be fabricated in countries other than that in which the aircraft as a whole is manufactured. The new agreement represents an important step forward, and will help to facilitate trade in aeronautical products between our two countries.