HC Deb 13 November 1972 vol 846 cc24-6
20. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will provide development funding for a new civil airliner project particularly with quiet engines or short take-off and landing characteristics.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

The initiative for such a project would lie with the manufacturers. I am willing to consider proposals for financial assistance towards the launching of soundly-based civil aircraft projects.

Mr. Wilkinson

While thanking my hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether he would agree that in view of the cancellation of the BAC 3–11 project, and in view of the urgent need for new work within the industry, it is very important to have a project launched swiftly to meet the requirement in and outside Europe of an inter-city transport with short take-off and landing and quiet engine?

Mr. Heseltine

As my hon. Friend knows, I am already considering a project from Hawker Siddeley, the HS 146, but I will of course consider any other projects which come in from other aircraft companies.

Mr. Dalyell

What exactly is meant by "soundly based" in this context?

Mr. Heseltine

That they will be given full consideration and, if effective, will be taken into account exactly as they always have been.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

For such major aircraft projects, will the funding be provided in this country or shall we always seek European participation?

Mr. Heseltine

It is very important to distinguish the scale of operation which might be envisaged, but my hon. Friend will be aware of the statement I recently made in a speech in Toulouse indicating the Government's very real interest in drawing together the European aerospace industries.

Mr. Mason

Do I take it from the hon. Gentleman's initial reply that, apart from the Hawker Siddeley project, no proposals have been put to him by any other civil aviation firms in this country?

Mr. Heseltine

Not on the scale to merit inclusion in the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend. There have been smaller research projects, but that major project is the only one of which I am aware.