§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many United Kingdom jobs are dependent on the Concorde project.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineUp to 21,000 jobs are dependent upon Concorde. This estimate is based on the assumed labour content of Concorde contracts covering a broad spectrum of industry.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the estimated total cost to public funds of Concorde in the years 1962, 1964, 1968, 1972 and the latest available estimate.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe development estimate for Concorde is currently being examined with the French Government and manufacturers. But previous estimates for development at historic prices have been:
£ million Year United Kingdom Total 1962 75–85 150–170 1964 140 275 1968 250 450 1972 480 970 1973 525 1,065 Expenditure on production provides the necessary bridging finance before receipts from sales, and the eventual cost depends upon the number of aircraft sold.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was 470W the estimated selling price of Concorde calculated in the years 1962, 1964, 1968, 1972 and the latest estimate which is available.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineConcorde's-selling price depends upon many factors, not least individual airline requirements and the manner in which contract negotiations have progressed. The only sales achieved to date have been to British Airways and Air France, and the House was informed of the price agreed by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Gloucestershire, South (Sir F. Corfield) on 22nd December 1971.—[Vol. 828, c.393.]
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many orders for Concorde have now been confirmed.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineNine.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the latest estimaed cost of further research and development necessary before Concorde enters airline service.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineAs I informed the House on 22nd June 1973, the outstanding development costs to completion, including those arising after the aircraft enters service, were estimated to be £335 million for the United Kingdom and French Governments. These estimates are currently being reviewed.—[Vol. 858, c.235–6.]
§ Mr. Topeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a statement of the Department's estimate as to the number of Concorde aircraft that would have to be sold to cover the capital and development costs of the project.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineAs I reminded the House on 2nd July 1973, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen), successive administrations have recognised that only part of the development costs would be recovered. To publish such a figure for the production costs would be prejudicial to the manufacturers' sales efforts and to securing the best out-turn on the project.—[Vol. 859, c. 7.]