HC Deb 21 May 1958 vol 588 c1298
46. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what discussions he has had with British Overseas Airways Corporation concerning the Swallow project and its possible development as a civil airliner.

Mr. Watkinson

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply explained in reply to Questions on Monday last, the Swallow project was a research project in the supersonic field for military purposes but B.O.A.C. and B.E.A. have kept in touch with it.

Mr. Peyton

I am not sure what my hon. Friend means when he says that B.E.A. and B.O.A.C. officials are keeping in touch with this project, the design of which is of vital importance. When there is a project like this, which opens up new fields, should it not be considered against the background of its military and civil potentiality? Quite apart from its military value, does my right hon. Friend realise that this is a project of a man who has already made a unique contribution to aircraft development? Will he look very carefully into the matter?

Mr. Watkinson

I accept the view that this is a very interesting aircraft, but it is only one of a very large number of interesting new projects which may or may not have civil possibilities and which are to be studied by both Corporations.