"
17
Oral Answers
17 JANUARY 1972
11th January that an offer has been re- ceived from the Soviet Union and the United States to co-operate in the build- ing a second generation of supersonic air- craft? Will the Secretary of State also inform the House why we have to wait for our information from the French Minister on this as well as on costs and other matters?
Mr. Davies: I do not think that is quite right. The fact is that the remarks to which the hon. Gentleman referred were made at the Paris Air Show and were not at all positive suggestions made by responsible people to Ministers. Mr. Nicholas Edwards: Is my right hon. Friend aware that many people will be anxiously awaiting an early statement that regular supersonic flights over this country will be banned, and that many of us who have experienced the noise from these aircraft will find it impossible to support the continuation of this pro- ject without such an announcement?
Mr. Davies: I take due note of that remark. The matter, of course, very much under active consideration by the Government.
Mr. Benn: May I congratulate the Secretary of State and other members of the Government on their decision to fly in the aircraft, and say how glad the people who make it are that the Govern- ment appear to be giving it such full support? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that there is likely to be a gap before orders come in, even if Air France and B.O.A.C. and others order, and that there is a serious possibility of short-term redundancies in Bristol which would not be sensible with the build-up of the programme which is likely to go forward? Without regard to second generation aircraft, which I agree will have to be looked at separately, it would be a great mistake if the pro- ject were in any way endangered by this gap between development and ordering.
Mr. Davies: The right hon. Gentleman can be very sure that this matter is under very careful study by the Government.
Mr. Sheldon : In view of the continuing unsatisfactory nature of the reply-and as Ministers fail to answer Questions-I wish to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.
9 A 17
Oral Answers
29
22. Mr. Palmer asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will next meet the French Minister of Transport to discuss airline contracts for the Concorde aircraft.
Mr. John Davies: A date has not yet been fixed, but my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace expects to meet M. Chamant some time within the next two months. The point mentioned by the hon. Member will be one of the subjects discussed.
Mr. Palmer: Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that in Bristol we are anxious to know when the national airlines of Britain and France will place orders for a significant number of Concordes? Could he give us any hope in that respect?
Mr. Davies: This question of any con- tracts with Air France and B.O.A.C. is clearly the next crucial issue in the future story of Concorde. It is clearly a matter which will be developed as a result of the meetings beween my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and M. Chamant,
Mr. Dalyell: What is the latest inter- national position of the overland flying rights of Concorde?
Mr. Davies: The question of super- sonic flights over land has already been raised in the course of Questions, and I said that the matter was under careful consideration by the Government.
Hong Kong (Textiles)
23. Mr. Blaker asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement about his further discussions with representatives from Hong Kong about the tariff and quota system for textiles.
Kong Officials were held last week in Mr. Anthony Grant: Talks with Hong
order to examine in more detail the
implications of the decision to retain quota controls on Hong Kong's trade in cotton textiles with the United Kingdom.
Mr. Blaker: In trese discussions, are Her Majesty's Ministers bearing in mind that in addition to their responsibility towards British manufacturers they have a responsibility, both legal and moral, towards Hong Kong, which is unique amongst our overseas suppliers of textiles,
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