§ 38. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation if, in view of the success of the Short S.C.1 research aircraft, he will support a further development programme in the field of new experimental and operational multi-jet aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing to be undertaken within the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 20th February.
§ Mr. McMasterWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, I should like to ask him whether he will pay special attention to the timing of a further research and development programme so that we do not lose the lead we have established as a result of so much hard and original work in this revolutionary field, which may be exploited to considerable advantage by the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI will certainly give full consideration to all the possibilities in the field of vertical take-off. It is not simply a question of money. It is also a question of markets. It is no good spending a great deal of money on something for which one has no market. I have myself discussed with the firm the possibilities of co-operation with other firms, possibly in Europe, and I am hoping that something may eventuate.