§ 41. Mr. Albert Robertsasked the Minister of Technology what consideration has been given to assisting the development of a jump-jet airliner.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAs I told the House on 16th April, studies have been commissioned of various aircraft concepts, and also of the traffic and environmental problems which are connected with intercity VTOL services. Decisions on further assistance must await the outcome of these studies.—[Vol. 781, c. 1132–3.]
§ Mr. RobertsDoes my hon. Friend realise that if the jump-jet airliner can be developed successfully it will make a tremendous saving in money and the construction of runways? Will he bear in mind that if there are any possibilities for this they should receive immediate attention?
§ Mr. MallalieuYes, most certainly. We expect to have the preliminary studies by the autumn. We shall evaluate them very carefully, and hope to begin design studies about June next year. This subject is of immense importance.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that what killed previous progress, as for instance the rotodyne, was the high noise level? Does he agree that the multiple lift system is inherently better than the vectored-thrust system for civil aircraft applications?
§ Mr. MallalieuI will take note of what the hon. Member says in his second point. Of course, noise could vitiate the whole project, and a great deal of money and effort are being expended to keep down the noise.