38.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his policy towards the current anti-Concorde campaign being waged at the FAA hearings in New York and Washington DC; and what action he proposes to take with regard to it.
Our policy is to ensure that the United States Government are fully aware of the great importance which we and the French Government attach to the successful introduction of commercial Concorde services between Europe and the United States; and to correct the widespread misinformation about Concorde which prevails in some quarters there. We are pursuing these objectives both through normal diplomatic channels and by taking advantage of the formal consultative procedures under United States environmental legislation to give factual evidence on Concorde and the environment.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry for how many Concorde aeroplanes there are now firm orders.
There are firm orders for nine Concordes, five from British Airways and four from Air France. Serious negotiations are also taking place for the sale of two Concordes to Iranair, and discussions are continuing with a number of other airlines.