§ 3. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to encourage the design and development of a European multi-purpose combat aircraft, with British participation.
§ Mr. StonehouseTalks have taken place with the German, Dutch, Italian and Canadian Ministers or officials with a view to our entering on such a collaborative project. At the same time, the British Aircraft Corporation is working on various designs of this type of aircraft.
§ Mr. FortescueWould not the Minister agree that unless an aircraft of this type reaches our drawing boards very soon, the only fighter aircraft available to the free world in the late 'seventies will be either French or American?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, Sir. Our purpose in pressing ahead with these talks is to bring our European partners into a project which will not only be technically successful but will also result in a very viable product.
§ Mr. CorfieldWill the Minister bear in mind the importance at this time of preserving design leadership in airframes as well as in aero engines?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, Sir. It is clearly understood that as we have the lead in this technique we would expect to have the design lead.