§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will make a statement concerning the funding of in-service support for Concorde in the financial year 1983–84.
§ Mr. Norman LamontAs I announced on 17 December 1982, British Airways has concluded that the airline could take over the future costs of supporting Concorde in-service, subject to agreement on a number of points. To allow for the completion of discussions on these points, for the negotiation of contracts between the airline and the manufacturers, and for further discussion with the French Government, the Government have decided to continue to fund in-service support during 1983–84. The extent to which British Airways would contribute to such costs will be discussed with the airline. To give the maximum time possible for the negotiation of new contracts, under which support can be continued in accordance with the requirements of both British Airways and Air France, the Government have also given British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce formal notice that Her Majesty's Government's contracts for in-service support of Concorde are being terminated with effect from 31 March 1984.