§ 44. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Technology what proposals for civilian vertical take-off aircraft have been made to his Department; what progress has been made with their evaluation; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David PriceProposals have been made by Hawker Siddeley and by Westland. Hawker Siddeley's proposals are based on direct lift by jet engine, or alternatively by a rotor which is stowed in forward flight; Westland's are based on a convertible rotor.
Evaluation of these proposals should be completed by the autumn, but wider consideration of the economics and feasibility of civil V.T.O.L. operations will take longer.
§ Mr. MallalieuShall we get a statement on this matter from the Government in the autumn?
§ Mr. PriceIt depends entirely how these reviews and studies develop. They are not entirely in our hands.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-WilsonDoes my hon. Friend propose to have discussions with European aircraft manufacturers on a joint V.T.O.L. project?
§ Mr. PriceThis is obviously one of the long-term possibilities, but studies have not yet reached that stage.