HC Deb 03 February 1944 vol 396 c1406
71. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production why funds and facilities at the disposal of the Air Ministry were not at an early stage of Group-Captain Whittle's experiments devoted to the development of his ideas and, if necessary, to the construction of a prototype machine.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend gave yesterday, regarding the facilities accorded by the Air Ministry to Group Captain Whittle to pursue his work. When it became apparent that Power Jets required financial assistance for further progress, a contract was placed with them for research and devolpment work and since March, 1938, their work has been substantially carried on with Government funds.

Mr. Granville

Has this very important technical development work at any time been held up through lack of co-operation by the hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly not.