27. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the Brabazon project, and on his intentions regarding the completion of the construction of the second aircraft of this type.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThe Brabazon project is proceeding satisfactorily, and the second aircraft will be completed.
Air Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the completion of this project will not in any way impede orders placed for military equipment with the Bristol Company? Further, 556 while recognising the value of research on the project, may I ask if he does not think it is time to finish with it and spend the money in other directions?
§ Mr. StraussThe answer to the first part of the question is, "Yes, Sir." I am quite satisfied that it will not interfere with the military demands on this firm. I am also satisfied that the completion of this experiment—that is, the building of the second Brabazon, without which the building of the first would have been almost useless—is very well worth while.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what these planes will be used for when the other is finished?
§ Mr. StraussThey may be used for many functions but if they were not used at all the scientific knowledge which has been gained by the building of these planes has already been invaluable, and will be more invaluable when experiments are finished.
§ Colonel RopnerIs it not a fact that a number of American aeroplanes at least as large as the Brabazon have flown over to this country quite recently, and is not the scientific knowledge available to the Americans also available to the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir, a great deal of new knowledge, which will be quite original, will be gained, particularly after the second Brabazon has been completed and flown.