HC Deb 25 February 1963 vol 672 cc886-7
22. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation what plans he has for applying and exploiting the multi-jet vertical take-off and landing techniques of function and control, and the associated ultra light engine development pioneered in this country.

Mr. J. Amery

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 19th November last. There are, at present, no plans to develop an operational aircraft employing the multi-jet principle. Nevertheless, we believe that this principle is likely to have important future applications particularly in the transport field. We are accordingly continuing our current research programme with the SC.1 and are also working with France and Germany on the development of the RB.162 light-weight jet lift engine.

Mr. McMaster

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that this country had a three or four year lead, particularly in the field of transport aircraft, where fail-safe is such an important consideration? I ask my hon. Friend to bring forward the research and development and to state a requirement as soon as possible, so that we do not lose entirely to France and other countries the vital technical lead we have in this field of multi-jet vertical take-off.

Mr. Amery

I am very much in agreement with my hon. Friend. He will realise that it is not for me to state a requirement.