HC Deb 16 April 1969 vol 781 cc1132-3
9. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the latest position in relation to the development of civil vertical/short take-off and landing aircraft.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Before development of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft begins, it is essential to assess what the traffic will be, and the problems that VTOL intercity services will entail.

Results of current studies should be available later this year.

Several aircraft have been developed with a limited short take-off and landing capability.

Mr. Dalyell

Is there any indication from the studies published this year of the cost of metropolitan in-city terminals?

Mr. Mallalieu

Not in detail, but, of course, that is one of the factors that is being looked at by another study than the ones which will be available by the end of the year.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

Can we have a clear statement of the number of types of aircraft which are being reviewed and as to whether any decision has been reached on the type of aircraft likely to be developed?

Mr. Mallalieu

For vertical take-off three types are being considered at the present moment and firms are working on—I think it is called—a definition study to see whether their particular methods will fit in with the requirements which we think the vertical liner will need.

Mr. David Price

Would the Minister agree that not only is this development important for aviation reasons but it is important also for reasons of regional policy, for reasons of inter-city communications, and, above all, for environmental reasons?

Mr. Mallalieu

I entirely agree with that, and we are in fact in these studies trying to see how they will fit in with environmental needs and with existing forms of transport.