HC Deb 27 November 1968 vol 774 cc476-7
20. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to encourage the development of a vertical take-off and landing or short takeoff and landing airliner; and if he will make a statement.

57. Mr. Corfield

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement outlining his Department's proposals for the further development of techniques of vertical/short take-off and landing in the field of civil aviation.

69. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Technology what progress is being made with the short take-off and landing aircraft.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The study which my predecessor referred to in answer to the question of 18th March last [Vol. 761, c. 3.] by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Fortescue) is still continuing.

Mr. Fortescue

I must thank the hon. Gentleman for that very informative Answer. Is he aware that the French, with the Breguet 941, and the Americans are well ahead of us on vertical takeoff techniques, although they were pioneered in this country many years ago? Is he further aware that, since vertical take-off aircraft could control the whole policy of this overcrowded island on new airports, the development of such an aeroplane in this country is of the utmost urgency?

Mr. Mallalieu

On the hon. Gentleman's second point, it is for that reason that the study is very wide-ranging and detailed. I would not accept for a moment the first part of his Question, that the. French are ahead of us in this technique now.

Mr. Corfield

Will the hon. Gentleman regard this as a matter of real urgency? Quite apart from the other considerations mentioned by my hon. Friend, it is clear that the possible ramifications of this type of development on the design and operation of airports can be considerable and could be relevant to the present inquiry.

Mr. Mallalien

Yes, I accept that e ntirely.

Mr. Rankin

Could the short takeoff and landing technique be applied to the airbus, or is my hon. Friend satisfied that existing runways are sufficiently long to handle it?

Mr. Mallalieu

I do not think that it could be applied to the airbus. That is not in the design. But, on my hon. Friend's second point, I am satisfied that existing runways are adequate.

Mr. Robert Howarth

Is my hon. Friend aware of the very interesting project that Westlands have in hand for vertical take-off and landing civil airliners? Is there a prospect of giving additional support to this work? Would he comment on the urging from the benches opposite for further money to be spent, in view of their Leader's charge on Monday that the Government are spending too much?

Mr. Mallalieu

I will leave that last point to the Leader of the Opposition. I am aware of the work being done by Westlands, and my Department is participating with Westlands and H.S.A. in a design study. We hope to have a drift specification by the end of the year.