§ 31. Mr. Straussasked the Minister of Aviation with which Commonwealth or European interests he is seeking co-operation for the development of a supersonic airliner.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftMy Ministry is in close touch with the Federal Aviation Agency in the United States, and I have also discussed this question in Paris. I do not rule out co-operation with other countries but, for practical reasons, this would no doubt have to be limited to countries which are able to make a substantial technical and financial contribution.
§ Mr. StraussDoes the Minister rule out the possibility of some co-operation with France? On the general question, does he agree that the prospect of such development, either by ourselves or in co-operation with others, increases the possibility of the British aircraft industry once again leading the world in aircraft design and development?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI certainly do not rule out the possibility of co-operation with France. Indeed, I have had talks in Paris, as did my predecessor, about the development of a supersonic transport aircraft. I agree that it is a great 846 hope for the future, but it is something that needs planning very carefully before we embark upon it.