HC Deb 11 July 1967 vol 750 cc408-9
28. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has for the development in the United Kingdom of variable geometry aircraft.

Mr. Benn

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said on 5th July.—[vol. 749, c. 1825–1834.]

Mr. Fortescue

Is the Minister aware of the considerable public concern that this British invention, brought to an operational state by the United States, by France and by the Soviet Union, has made apparently absolutely no progress in this country? Will he assure the House we are not going to be left behind in this race?

Mr. Benn

I am aware of the considerations which the hon. Member mentions. We are to debate this very fully on Thursday. Meanwhile, there is nothing further I can add to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said.