HC Deb 27 February 1961 vol 635 cc1189-90
40. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation what plans he now has for co-operating with the United States of America in designing and developing a supersonic airliner.

Mr. Thorneycroft

My Ministry is in touch with the American Administration about this subject, but I have nothing definite to report at present.

Mr. Rankin

In the meantime, would the right hon. Gentleman agree that co-operation in the design and development of a Mach 2 supersonic aircraft is absolutely essential because competition could result in the machine being put into service too early and that might be disastrous for a great many people?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am sure that the hon. Member is absolutely right, that this is the type of project in which international co-operation is very necessary. We urged this point of view upon the previous American Administration, and we shall continue to urge it in the present circumstances.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the Minister say whether future plans are being based upon British developments or American developments?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have a design project with the British Aircraft Corporation which is proceeding, and our thinking has been on the basis of Mach 2. There is some reason to believe that the American preference would be for the faster Mach 3. Whatever is decided upon, we should, I think, attempt to do it as an international co-operative effort.