HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 cc415-6
23. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation what support he is giving to research and development into multi-jet and deflected jet vertical take-off and landing aircraft, respectively, with a view to determining the most suitable type and formulating a naval requirement which can be met by the British aircraft industry.

Mr. Mulley

A flight research programme using the S.C.1 multi-jet and P.1127 vectored thrust V/STOL aircraft is under way. The results will of course be available to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, who is responsible for the formulation of operational requirements.

Mr. McMaster

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite this research and development in order to stop the brain drain which was referred to earlier, so that this country does not lose the advantages of the lead which it has in this revolutionary form of propulsion?

Mr. Mulley

I can confirm that the research is continuing and, as regards the P1127, development and production contracts have already been placed.