§ 22. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on progress with the production and development of Concorde.
§ Mr. HefferThe manufacturers are pressing ahead with the authorised programme for the development of the entry into service version and the production of 16 aircraft, with the objective of enabling commercial services to start at the earliest practicable date. Concorde is still expected to receive a certificate of airworthiness by the end of 1975.
§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether any further options have been taken on Concorde; when the Japan Air Lines option extends to; and whether he will make a statement on the difficulties likely to be faced on the production line with sub-contractors beyond the 16 aircraft already authorised.
§ Mr. MeacherThe option position remains as set out in the reply given to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. McNair-Wilson) on 9th December.—[Vol. 883, c. 8.] The options on three aircraft held by Japan Air Lines, which do not involve payment of a deposit, have been extended until the end of 1975. I am not aware of any problems with subcontractors which endanger the continuity of production.