§ 2. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Technology if he will specify the nature of the ground tests to be carried out by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on the TSR2 airframe at Shoeburyness.
§ Mr. StonehouseFirings of various types will be made at the airframe from varying distances in order to assess the vulnerability of advanced aircraft of modern construction.
§ Mr. OnslowWhy cannot these tests be simulated by some other means? What is particular about the TSR2 which lends itself to this? Will the Minister take note that a Conservative Administration would not allow this aircraft to be destroyed in this way?
§ Mr. StonehouseAny other form of test would cost more money. We are saving money by using remains of TSR2, which would go for scrap, and there are two models of TSR2, which are being retained.