§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the estimated difference between the production costs of Concorde and the price received from sales to British Airways and Air France.
§ Mr. KaufmanBased on the average cost of aircraft in the 16 aircraft programme, the shortfall in sterling terms in total payments by British Airways and Air France is estimated at about £7 million per aircraft, assuming £1 sterling =9.3 French francs.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the estimated operating subsidy necessary to enable Concorde to be flown on the basis of first-class rates plus 10 per cent. and plus 20 per cent., respectively.
§ Mr. KaufmanThe amount of subsidy required, if any, would depend mainly upon the purchase price, operating costs and receipts, route patterns and the general financial position of the individual airline.