HC Deb 18 November 1964 vol 702 cc422-3
18. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress is being made with the TSR2 programme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The TSR2 flew for the first time on 27th September. This flight was satisfactory. The aircraft was then laid up for an engine change and for other normal work. I understand that it should fly again shortly. Future expenditure on this costly and complex, but very important, project is necessarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence as well as myself.

Sir J. Eden

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that it is still the intention of Her Majesty's Government to bring this equipment into service with Bomber Command as speedily as possible?

Mr. Jenkins

I can assure the House that it is the intention of the Government to take into account the progress which has been made and the expenditure which has taken place on this project, together with all other considerations.

Mr. H. Hynd

If there is any difficulty about flying the TSR2 for the purpose for which the last Government intended, will the Minister try to apply it for the purpose for which it was originally designed?

Mr. Jenkins

We shall certainly beat that in mind.

Mr. Maude

Is the Minister aware that his last answer but one will cause considerable concern, because it suggests that not only is this another project which is, in the current jargon, "under review" but that he is at least disposed towards cancellation of it, which is a serious matter from the national point of view?

Mr. Jenkins

It does not suggest anything more than it says, which is that the Secretary of State for Defence and my other colleagues are fully entitled to review the position which was left to them.