HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1250-1
8 Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production (1) how many existing firms, or their representatives, were approached by Group Captain Whittle, or by the Air Ministry on his behalf, with a view to securing their participation or co-operation in the experimental development of the jet-propelled airplane; in how many cases were such approaches unsuccessful; and in hew many were the conditions proposed unacceptable;

(2) the nature of the advice given to Group-Captain Whittle as to the procedure he should follow with a view to securing the development of the jet-propelled airplane; and at what date he was advised to approach aircraft companies;

(3) whether, in the case of inventions, such as that of Group-Captain Whittle, the policy of his Department is to regard the reactions of firms interested in analogous developments as the best indication of the potentialities of an invention or an idea.

The Minister of Aircraft Production (Sir Stafford Cripps)

Group Captain Whittle was permitted to dispose of his invention subject to certain conditions, which included obtaining the consent of the Secretary of State for Air to any disposal of his rights and free Crown user if required. The Secretary of State was not asked by Group Captain Whittle for consent to any disposal of his rights until Power Jets, Limited, was formed in January, 1936. Group Captain Whittle received no advice to approach particular aircraft companies, but consent was given to his application to form Power Jets, Limited. Further, facilities were accorded him for the development of his invention by extending his stay at Cambridge University for a year, till June, 1937, in order to permit him to continue his work on the invention, and later by relieving him of his normal Air Force duties, in order that he might concentrate on this work, which he has done from that time onwards. The potentialities of inventions are assessed by technical officers of the Department, with the advice of independent experts if necessary. In the case of the Whittle invention, a recommendation to explore the possibilities of encouraging the development of Whittle jet propulsion systems was received from the Aeronautical Research Committee in May, 1937.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

While recognising the admirable work done by Group Captain Whittle, is it not a fact that as soon as this invention promised to be a success, ample facilities were provided for him?

Sir S. Cripps

That would depend on what the hon. Member considers ample.