HC Deb 20 April 1959 vol 604 cc23-4
36. Mr. Eden

asked the Minister of Supply what conclusions he has reached after studying the recommendations of the Supersonic Transport Aircraft Committee; and what action he now proposes to take.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

This important matter is still under consideration and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Eden

Will my right hon. Friend give very special consideration to the decision of the United States to enter supersonic flight by the 1970s and to the possibility of intermediate stage aircraft being uneconomic by the time they are produced?

Mr. Jones

Clearly, any United States plans would be very relevant to the decision.

Mr. Beswick

Has the Minister noticed that a large number of informed people have expressed surprise at the moderate character of the recommendations made in regard to the mach numbers? Even if the Report cannot be published, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give some public indication as to why these recommendations were, comparatively, so modest?

Mr. Jones

I would hope that when it came to making a statement, and a decision on the Report, the reasons for the decision—and, indeed, the reasons for the recommendations—would be made public.

Mr. Beswick

But can the Minister say when the decision will be made? Unless we get into the business quickly we might as well keep out of it altogether.

Mr. Jones

I should like to make a decision as soon as possible consistent with the importance of the question.