§ 14. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress being made to obtain orders for the Concorde supersonic aircraft.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineIt is the responsibility of the manufacturers to negotiate orders. But since BOAC announced its decision to order five aircraft on 25th May Iran Air has declared its intention to order three and discussions are in progress with a number of other airlines to which Concorde is being demonstrated on its present tour. Negotiations with Air France are well advanced and an order is expected soon.
§ 19. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made for a viable Concorde sales programme following the Far Eastern tour.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe manufacturers' sales policy aims to secure the218W earliest orders in the light of commitments to option-holders, and the developing interest among other airlines including those to which Concorde is being demonstrated on the present tour. We and the French Government are in close touch with the manufacturers and will give them our fullest support.
I am impressed by the results so far of the Concorde visit to the Far East and Australia. This is part of the sales programme.