New Wind Tunnels

HC Deb 06 July 1970 vol 803 cc308-9

42. Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister of Technology whether he proposes locating the new wind tunnels at Thurleigh as originally planned.

Mr. David Price

No, Sir. The intention now is to site the new low-speed wind tunnel at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough.

Mr. Skeet

Is my hon. Friend aware that there has been a change of plan as this was originally to go to Thurleigh? Can he explain why there has been a change of plan and whether there is to be a run-down of facilities at Thurleigh?

Mr. Price

My hon. Friend is not entitled to draw that conclusion. The decision to place this wind tunnel at Farnborough rather than at Bedford was taken by the previous Administration and was conveyed to my hon. Friend's predecessor by letter.