§ 11. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation to what extent it is now his policy to permit British firms to cooperate with the French aircraft industry in the development of the projected French nuclear striking force.
§ Mr. J. AmeryI know of no proposal for such co-operation.
§ Mr. RankinIs it not the case that the French Mirage is being powered by Rolls Royce engines? If that is the case, is that not just the same as increasing the nuclear striking power of the French, and is that consistent with the Government's professions that they want to see nuclear power reduced and not increased?
§ Mr. AmeryI am not at all sure that the hon. Gentleman is right in his information. Certainly a number of our aeroengines are on sale overseas, and I think there would be no particular bar on their being used for this aeroplane.
§ Mr. RankinWill the hon. Gentleman then let us know definitely whether the Rolls Royce engine is being used to power this French aircraft?
§ Mr. AmeryI think that the hon. Gentleman is confusing the Mirage IV bomber with the Mirage III vertical take-off fighter which does use the Rolls Royce engine. The bomber, I think, does not.