HC Deb 24 March 1971 vol 814 cc526-8
28. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply what representations have been made to him by British European Airways about its requirement for either a short take-off and landing or a vertical take-off and landing civil airliner for service after 1975; and what reply he has given.

Mr. David Price

None, Sir.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Since we now know that the American Civil Aeronautics Board is putting VSTOL operation into service to gain service experience, is it not time that the Government brought B.E.A. and the British airframe manufacturers into co-operation to produce a prototype VSTOL aircraft so that we too can gain this vital operating experience which will be crucial if we go into production with this aircraft, as we surely shall?

Mr. Price

I can assure my hon. Friend that B.E.A. has been closely associated with my right hon. Friend's Department in studies both of VTOL and STOL.

Mr. Bishop

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread concern over the need for a comprehensive policy on VSTOL which will bring in not only those concerned with the project but also local authorities, airport authorities on both sides of the Channel, air safety bodies and so on, because there seems to be no co-ordinated policy on the progress being made on this project?

Mr. Price

As the hon. Gentleman knows, pretty detailed studies were done on a pilot survey of inter-city VTOL, and this has been one of the factors. Studies are carrying on across the whole area. It is a little too early to say there is an absolutely clear lead as to the precise parameters of the type of aircraft we are going for.

Mr. Onslow

Would my hon. Friend agree that, since there is considerable technical conflict between the requirements of VTOL and STOL and since it is evident that STOL could be achieved more cheaply and more quickly, it would be an advantage if his Ministry could make a declaration of policy in favour of the production of STOL as soon as possible?

Mr. Price

It had been my right hon. Friend's hope that he would by now be able to make a statement on this, but in view of the problems of Rolls-Royce I am afraid it has been put back somewhat in the time-scale.

Mr. Rankin

Would the Minister agree that if transport facilities in the North of Scotland are to be properly developed then a STOL aircraft is absolutely essential?

Mr. Price

I would not feel confident to make a declaration on what is the priority for the North of Scotland. I think the whole House would agree that if we can get a sensible specificaton for STOL and take in the whole of the ground planning and noise factors, then we can see a considerable future for it. Further than that I cannot go.