§ 5. Mr. Norman Doddsasked the Minister of Supply, in view of the importance of the helicopter in peace and in war and the need for an acceleration in development and experimental work, what encouragement is being given to the production of 45-seater passenger and military 100-seater jet-driven rotor hover-planes.
§ Mr. SandysContracts have been given by the Ministry of Supply to appropriate firms for development work on large rotary winged aircraft.
§ Mr. DoddsHas any encouragement been given to the Westland Aircraft Company, which has designs for a 100-seater helicopter, because there seems to be a lack of encouragement of these aircraft, in view of the importance of helicopters, from Government sources? Can this be assimilated with the production of helicopters for other uses?
§ Mr. SandysI do not want to give particulars about individual firms holding development contracts, but I can assure the hon. Member that the Government fully appreciate the importance of this development.