§ 55. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Supply to what extent, when considering the amount of financial assistance to be made available for the development of helicopters, he takes into account the potential r6le to be played by such vertical lift machines as the SRNI.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesThe Hovercraft is essentially a surface craft, but my Department has had continued interest in this project and is represented on and intends to remain in close touch with 33 the Company, that is, Hovercraft Development Limited, which is being financed by the National Research and Development Corporation.
§ Mr. BeswickIs it not perfectly obvious that the future of this aircraft joust he determined by, and will equally possibly determine, the future of other machines in which the Ministry of Supply is interested? Would it not be a matter of common sense in administration to have responsibility for this whole field centred in one Department?
§ Mr. JonesIf application were made to my Department for help on this project, such a request would, naturally, be considered on its merits.