§ 11. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Aviation what discussions he has had with Ministers of Commonwealth and 12 Allied countries with a view to their contributing towards the development of the hovercraft for military purposes.
§ Mr. RipponI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to him last Monday. It would be premature to consider a joint programme with other Governments until the studies on possible military applications have been completed.
§ Mr. de FreitasDoes the Minister agree that this striking invention with its vast military possibilities is an ideal subject for a co-operative project, and, if co-operation in military applications is to mean more than just a word in White Papers year after year, this is just the type of subject on which we should advance with our friends and allies?
§ Mr. RipponConsultations with other Governments will certainly be considered, and undoubtedly there is a growing interest in the United States and elsewhere. All I am saying is that mare information is needed before the possibilities of military application can really be assessed.