HC Deb 24 February 1926 vol 192 cc522-3
68. Mr. ROSE

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total amount expended upon the experiments in connection with the Brennan helicopter from the beginning until the abandonment of the design last year; and whether the country is under any further obligation to the inventor?

Sir S. HOARE

The total amount expended over the seven years during which the experiments have been proceeding at Farnborough is estimated at £55,000. As regards the second part of the question, Mr. Brennan's contract with the Air Ministry expires on the 31st March next, and I am not aware that he has any contractual relations with other Departments of State.

Mr. ROSE

Why has this design been persisted in and all this money wasted?

Sir S. HOARE

The money has not been wasted. We learnt very valuable lessons from the experience gained.

Mr. ROSE

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that seven or eight years' work and an expenditure of £55,000 on a thing that is smashed as soon as it was started is valuable? To whom is it valuable?

Sir S. HOARE

The hon. Member can draw his own conclusions. In my view it has been of value to the Air Ministry and the State generally.