HC Deb 14 November 1967 vol 754 c208
26. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his visit to the United States of America.

Mr. Stonehouse

The main object of my visit to the United States of America, which took place between 8th and 20th October, was to review progress on our major military aircraft procurement projects and to meet members of our project teams stationed there. I also had useful talks with the Department of Defense and the State Department and two of the major American internal airlines. I visited the major American civil aircraft manufacturers on the West Coast and attended a session of the tenth Anglo-American Aeronautical Conference.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that, according to reports, he flew the F111K? Was he happy with its performance, and can he assure the House that he is convinced that the aircraft will be fully able to meet the altered commitment which faces it east of Suez?

Mr. Stonehouse

I can confirm the reports that I flew the F111A. During the time that I flew it, it behaved extremely well, I am glad to say.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can my hon. Friend give the House an idea how much money will be spent on purchasing military aircraft from the United States, and does he not think that it would be better to spend some of that money on creating new industries in mining areas?

Mr. Stonehouse

This point will be answered in Question No. 28.