§ 6. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to correct the insufficient care of his Department in limiting the number of helicopter research projects, as reported by the Select Committee on Estimates, Second Report. 19th December, 1956; and what financial economy his correction will achieve in this field.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesThe comments of the Select Committee on Estimates about helicopter projects relate mainly to the programme as it was some time ago. My predecessor announced during the defence debate on 29th February, 1956, that the helicopter programme had been reviewed 645 and three major projects cancelled. There are at present only four helicopters under development.
§ Mr. NabarroIs my right hon. Friend satisfied, following his review of the position, that all practical economies are now being made, compatible with efficiency, in the Department within his care, as opposed to the care of his predecessor?
§ Mr. JonesTo arrive at that degree of satisfaction after only a week in office would be rather much to expect. Although, as I have said, there are now only four helicopters under development, the justification for expenditure on those four will have to be looked at, in the light of the defence programme which will be set out in the White Paper.
§ Mr. NabarroA very reasonable answer.