Aircraft Projects

HC Deb 14 October 1968 vol 770 cc5-7

7. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Technology what joint British/European or British/United States military aircraft projects are now under discussion.

20. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on Great Britain's plans for procurement of a swing-wing fighter aircraft.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence informed the House on 25th July, we are exploring with a number of other European countries the possibility of collaborating on a new multi-role combat aircraft. Canada is also associated with this exercise. Discussions are continuing and some of the solutions which are being considered would make use of swing-wing technology. No new Anglo-United States military aircraft projects are being discussed at the present time.—[Vol. 769, c. 1013.]

Mr. Wall

As the Minister seems to have given up hope of a wholly British long-range aircraft, can he give an assurance that one or other of the joint projects, to some of which he referred, will be brought to fruition in the near future?

Mr. Mallalieu

I very much hope so.

Mr. Campbell

After the collapse of the previous swing-wing project with the French, is the Minister confident that there will be a British-German combat aircraft and that Britain will have a leading part in its development?

Mr. Mallalieu

This is what we are aiming for.

Mr. Corfield

In view of the Dassault-L.T.V. tie-up, is there not some evidence that Anglo-American co-operation might be more profitable for this country than with the French? Is the Minister in a position to make any statement on this matter?

Mr. Mallalieu

That is not excluded. On operational requirements and other things, there is continuous consultation with the United States.

Dame Irene Ward

Can we be told why it seems so much easier to make progress with aeroplane construction than with nuclear-powered ship production? It is probably as important to get on with nuclear-powered ships as with some of the new aeroplanes. I should like to know why aeroplanes seem to be more important than ships.

Mr. Mallalieu

This seems to be another Question. There are difficulties in both spheres, and we hope to overcome them.