HC Deb 01 December 1958 vol 596 cc815-6
5. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Supply what vertical take-off and landing projects he is helping to finance, particularly with a commercial application in view.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Apart from work on helicopters, my Department is financing the S.C.1 research aircraft and other work, including that on engines, related to vertical take-off and landing systems. It is hoped and expected that this work will lead ultimately to commercial applications.

Mr. Mason

Is the Minister quite satisfied that sufficient attention is being paid to this development by his Department? Has his Department in mind for the future having a joint project for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with America under the Mutual Aid Programme?

Mr. Jones

It is possible that some arrangement might be reached with the Americans with a view to a joint project, but it is premature to comment on that at the moment.