Royal Aircraft Establishment, Bedford

HC Deb 09 July 1969 vol 786 c1354

30. Mr. Brian Parkyn

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the future rôle of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Bedford.

Mr. Fowler

Subject to any decision which may be taken as a result of the Commission of Inquiry into the siting of the third London airport, the rôle of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Bedford, will remain as at present to carry out research in wind tunnels and in flight in support of new aerospace projects.

Mr. Parkyn

Is my hon. Friend aware that precisely because this might be selected as the site for London's third airport there is considerable disquiet and concern about the future of the staff at the R.A.E., Bedford?

Mr. Fowler

We are well aware of the problems and are conducting our own studies into this matter. We shall give evidence to the Roskill Commission.