HC Deb 30 June 1958 vol 590 cc869-70
36. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Supply what research he is sponsoring into a manned space aircraft, which can be launched like a rocket and which can land like a conventional aircraft, on the lines of the Dynasoar which is being developed for the United States Air Force.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Some aspects of the fundamental research currently being done in Ministry of Supply establishments have a relevance to space travel, but there is as yet no specific project.

Mr. de Freitas

What machinery exists by which we can keep in touch with these developments in the United States, when now we may have something to contribute but, because of the enormous expense, as the years pass we may have less to contribute? Can the Minister give any assurance as to the machinery we are developing now when we have the cards?

Mr. Jones

There are arrangements for the exchange of technical information in the military sphere between the United States and ourselves, and I am sure that this project will fall within the scope of those arrangements.