Mr. Bittenasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the names of the Members of Parliament who are visiting Australia as part of the Concorde sales drive; to what extent the expenses of such a trip are being financed out of public funds; and what qualifications secured the selection of the Members.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThe current series of Concorde flights into Australia is a part of the programme of endurance flying, designed to demonstrate that the aircraft can be operated safely and reliably in ordinary airline conditions. There is no sales drive as such. Following a revision of the programme, the only Member of this House taking part is my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry. He is taking part in his official capacity, and his expenses are therefore being met out of public funds in the ordinary way.