§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions British Caledonian had with his Department before the purchase of the DC10 aircraft; what is the number and size of the contribution of British firms to this aircraft; if he will advise British purchasers of wide-bodied aircraft to consider the British contribution; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Clinton Davis,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 11th June 1976; Vol. 912, c. 792–3], gave the following information:
The company informed my Department that it needed to acquire wide-bodied aircraft quickly and that no British-engined aircraft was available which suited its network. It has announced that its agreement with the manufacturer contains an option to purchase further aircraft which would incorporate Rolls-Royce engines.
I am confident that other British airlines will give the closest attention to the desirability of supporting the British manufacturing industry when considering the purchase of wide-bodied aircraft. Detailed information about the British-manufactured content of the DCl0s is not available.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if, in the light of the fact that Rolls-Royce engines have been or are to be fitted to Lockheed and Boeing aircraft and that the Douglas Aircraft Company has publicly indicated its willingness to fit Rolls-Royce engines to the DC10 without additional cost to the United Kingdom balance of payments, he will take steps to ensure that no foreign aircraft shall be purchased by British companies without such aircraft having a substantial proportion of British produced parts; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, in view of the fact that British Caledonian is intending to purchase DC10 wide-body aircraft which have a very low proportion of British content, he will take steps to prevent purchases which substantially adversely affect the balance of payments without providing any real employment prospects for British workpeople; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton Davis,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 11th June 1976; Vol. 912, c. 792–3], gave the following information:
My right hon. Friend has no powers to prohibit purchase of particular aircraft nor does he propose to seek them.