asked the Minister for Transport and Power if this country is interested in procuring a Concorde aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed by Aer Lingus that they have no plans to acquire a Concorde aircraft.

Would the Minister not accept that if, in order to maintain viability in the air race, it becomes necessary to secure a Concorde aircraft, it would be advisable to book one in advance? Is he aware that several Governments have already booked their requirements in advance? Does he not think it desirable that we should be doing something about it rather than be left out of the air race?

We have taken out options, only, in regard to supersonic aircraft with Boeing, which we are satisfied are a more economic proposition.

Does the Minister not accept the fact that the Concorde is likely to make the trip across the Atlantic much quicker than any other aircraft and, in view of that, does the Minister not think it desirable that we should book one?

I am satisfied that the supersonic aircraft being developed by Boeing will be a better proposition for us.

It is the same story, in other words, as that of the BAC One-Eleven and the Trident.

No.

In that case the Minister's Department made a complete and utter mess of the whole thing and, as a result, lost the opportunity of selling the Viscount aircraft, which are lying rotting in Dublin Airport at the moment.

We are talking about an entirely different ball game now.