HC Deb 29 July 1963 vol 682 cc25-7
33. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Aviation whether Hawker-Siddeley Limited has now completed its work study of the AW681; what information it has given him regarding the allocation of the work in manufacturing the prototypes for subsequent production; and what information he has been given regarding the proportion of the work on the prototype to be allocated to Coventry.

39. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation what research and development work is being undertaken under his auspices in order to provide the AW681 with a vertical take-off capacity.

Mr. J. Amery

The project study on the AW681 aircraft has been completed. It is now being assessed in my Department. But it is too early to say what will be the distribution of work. Development directed to the provision of vertical take-off capability has not yet begun. But the aircraft is being designed with vertical take-off potential.

Mr. Edelman

In making his assessment, will the Minister bear in mind the grave disquiet which is being felt among the workers of Coventry that Hawkers, in its study analysis, is intending to move the greater part of the work to Manchester and Belfast? In view of the redundancy which already exists in Coventry, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind his own undertaking and that of the Parliamentary Secretary that a very large part of the work would be done in Coventry?

Mr. Marten

I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Member has said.

Mr. McMaster

In view of earlier statements by the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the urgency, particularly for the design staff in Short Bros, and Harland, that some speedy progress be made on the vertical take-off potential of this aircraft?

Mr. Amery

I will have in mind what my hon. Friend says, but the first requirement, which is of some urgency, for the Royal Air Force is for a short takeoff aircraft. A vertical take-off aircraft would take longer and the requirement is less urgent.

Mr. Lubbock

Will the ultimate development of this vertical take-off aircraft be based on the use of separate engines for lift and forward propulsion? If so, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the only company with experience in this field in this country is Short Bros, and Harland?

Mr. Amery

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

Mr. Lee

Will the Minister do what he can to expedite this decision? As he knows, there is great anxiety about the ultimate destination of the various parts for this aircraft. It would be to everybody's advantage if a decision could be reached very quickly.

Mr. Amery

The hon. Member will appreciate that I am anxious to get a decision as quickly as possible, but he will also appreciate that it is better to get the right decision than to rush it and get a decision which we may have to change.