HC Deb 12 December 1960 vol 632 cc11-3
15. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Aviation what was the estimated cost of a supersonic aircraft for military and civil use, respectively, in 1957; and what are the estimated costs at the present time.

Mr. Rippon

In 1957 the estimated cost of developing a projected supersonic bomber was about £70 million. No estimate was given at that time of the cost of a supersonic airliner and it is still too early to make a reliable estimate.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the suggestion made in various quarters, in this House and elsewhere, that this project should be proceeded with, can the Parliamentary Secretary say where the Government will get the money from? Is there any truth in the reports that there is in contemplation now a joint arrangement with the United States on this project?

Mr. Rippon

One of the objects of the design study which has been set in hand is to consider the feasibility of this project and to get some idea of its cost. It is certainly possible that there may be international co-operation on a project of this kind.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the hon. Gentleman reply to the second part of my right hon. Friend's Question and say what are the estimated costs today?

Mr. Rippon

It would be premature to estimate the full cost of development until we have had the advantage of the design study. Work on that is expected to take about a year. The cost, as has been announced, is about £350,000.

21. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation when he will complete his plans for the development of a supersonic airliner.

Mr. Rippon

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 28th November, 1960.

Mr. Rankin

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that a few moments ago he said that a design study was under way? Will that study not depend on the speed at which we want this aircraft to fly? Is it not the case that the metal of the airframe will depend on the speed we have in mind, and can he say what conclusions his right hon. Friend has reached on these two matters?

Mr. Rippon

The purpose of the design study is to determine just that sort of question.

Mr. Strauss

May I ask a further question on this important matter? We have been told that co-operation has been sought with the United States in the development of this aircraft. According to the Press today, three major aviation agencies in the United States are contemplating agreeing on the development of a Mach 3 supersonic airliner. In view of the fact that the idea here appears to be a Mach 2, can the hon. Gentleman tell us how co-operation between this country and United States authorities on the development of this aircraft is feasible, or what the Government have in mind about it?

Mr. Rippon

I have seen Press reports, but I do not think any of them need divert us from considering our own project. Of course, international co-operation depends on agreement on a particular type of aircraft to be produced. So far as the Mach 2.2 is concerned—that is, a speed of about 1,500 miles an hour—we can still use the light alloy, and many people believe that is a more feasible proposition and that it can be developed more quickly. For the Mach 3—that is, a 2,000 miles per hour plane—we need something in the nature of all-steel construction. We will be considering these matters very carefully in the design study, and they also will be considered during the consultations which will take place with the United States.