HC Deb 09 July 1969 vol 786 cc1339-40
8. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Minister of Technology what is the present position of the study of the vertical take-off and landing civil aircraft at present being made by his Department.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 16th April and 21st May. Firms are working on definition studies for three types of vertical take-off aircraft. Preliminary reports are expected in the autumn.—[Vol. 781, c. 1130–1 and 1132–3; Vol. 784, c. 419 and 430–1.]

Mr. Fortescue

Since we already have a commanding lead in the techniques of v.t.o.l. on the military side, will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that every urgency is being given to this side and that we are not likely to lose this lead because of procrastination in his Department?

Mr. Mallalieu

I consider this matter just as important as does the hon. Member. We are pressing on very fast, but it is a complex problem.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Would it not be desirable if my hon. Friend could divert some of the money being wasted on Concorde to this project, which, as the hon. Member for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Fortescue) has said, is extremely important and urgent?

Mr. Mallalieu

I would not accept that money is being wasted on Corcorde.