§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the sum of money set aside for the levy to recover some of the research and development costs of Concorde in the sales pricing structure by the British and French manufacturers of the aircraft.
§ Mr. MeacherIn the British and French manufacturers' original sale price proposals provision was made for levy according to the following formula:
- 4 per cent of the selling price—Aircraft Nos. 1–50.
- 7 per cent. of the selling price—Aircraft Nos. 51–100.
- 10 per cent. of the selling price—Aircraft beyond No. 100.
- 10 per cent. of the selling price—All spares.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Industry why the planned research and development levy by Her Majesty's Government on Concorde sales has been dropped.
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§ Mr. MeacherSo long as the revenue from sales cannot recover production costs no net receipts would be available to set against research and development costs.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has received a copy of the recent report by M. Bloch to the French Government on the prospects for, and costs of, Concorde; and how this compares with the statement he made to the House on 18th March 1974.
§ Mr. MeacherA copy has been passed to the British Government. The report remains the property of the French Government, and its contents cannot be divulged.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the latest position regarding a final decision on the aceptability of Concorde noise levels at New York's main airport, in view of the fact that the aircraft design registration date recorded by the Port of New York Authority precludes it from more recent certification requirements.
§ Mr. MeacherConcorde's present noise performance at airports is still being studied, and no approach has been made to the Port of New York Authority. The aircraft noise requirements at New York (Kennedy) apply to all aircraft irrespective of the date of certification.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will move to set up a Select Committee to consider the future of the Concorde aircraft.
§ Mr. MeacherOn taking office my right hon. Friend's first step was to make available the essential facts which he and my hon. Friend together urged should be divulged to the House. He intends to do all he can to keep the House informed of developments.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he agreed the Concorde cost information with the British Aircraft Corporation before giving it to the House on Monday 18th March.
§ Mr. MeacherThe basis of the information in my right hon. Friend's statement of 18th March—[Vol. 870, c. 666–76.]—has been explained to the British Aircraft Corporation and Rolls-42W Royce (1971) in discussion with the Department.