HC Deb 26 January 1953 vol 510 c665
43. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Supply the total of public money spent by his Department on aircraft research and development carried out by aircraft companies since April, 1945; and how much is now received by his Department by way of fees or royalties in consideration of the commercial exploitation of the results of this expenditure.

Mr. Sandy's

It would not be in the public interest to give information about Government expenditure on aeronautical research and development, the overwhelming majority of which is for military types.

The answer to the second part of the Question is about £l½ million a year.

Mr. Jay

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that very large sums of public money have been spent in recent years on these objects by the previous Government? Does he not think that the expenditure has been justified by results, and is he satisfied with the financial return that the taxpayer has received for the assets that have been created?

Mr. Sandys

I think the late Government were fully justified in the expenditure they incurred in this field, and that the results fully justify it.