§ 67. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation whether he has studied the possibility of adapting the Belfast strategic transport aeroplane to fulfil a dual strategic and tactical rôle with short takeoff potential; and what the cost of developing the present Tyne engine would be in order to increase this aircraft's present lift and range capabilities.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe possibility of using the Belfast in the dual strategic and tactical role was carefully studied as part of the defence programme review but the advantages offered by the purchase of the Lockheed C.13 CE could not be ignored. As regard the second part of the hon.294W Member's question, the cost of the engine development, if approved, would fall on the Defence sub-head, details of which are not published, but I should point out that apart from the engine development costs, substantial sums would have to be spent on providing larger propellers, new reduction gearboxes and associated airframe alterations.