HC Deb 02 May 1960 vol 622 cc667-8
1. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Aviation what financial or other encouragement he is giving to the development by Rolls-Royce and Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg of a short take-off or vertical take-off engine suitable for a jet fighter.

The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

These two companies have concluded an agreement to collaborate on the development of a jet engine suitable for a vertical take-off fighter which is being designed in Germany. No financial support is being given by Her Majesty's Government, nor has it been asked for.

Mr. de Freitas

Is this on the principle of the separate engines, like the Short SC1, or the other principle of the diverted air flow?

Mr. Sandys

This is the multiple engine.

Mr. Paget

We are not thinking of another fighter, are we?

Mr. Sandys

This is an aircraft being designed in Germany.

6. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will announce his plans for future research and development in relation to aeroplanes capable of vertical take-off and landing following the successful test programme completed by the Short SC1 on 6th April.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

We are following two main lines of vertical take-off aircraft research and development. One is represented by the Short SC1, and the other by the Hawker P.1127. The SC1's successful transition from hovering to forward flight marks an important step forward, and work in improving stability and other characteristics of this system is proceeding. The P.1127 programme is more directly aimed at a military use and my right hon. Friend hopes that it may soon prove possible to formulate a development programme in which the French and German Governments may co-operate following his recent talks with them.

Mr. McMaster

Again I should like to thank my hon. Friend for his reply. I should like to ask him for an assurance that, in any co-operation in research with the French and the Germans, research and development which have already taken place in Short's will be used and that Short's will be fully consulted in such developments.

Mr. Rippon

There is a further Question which is particularly related to co-operation with the French and German Governments.