§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the airfield vulnerability in the central region of Europe, the Air Staff Target 403 will embrace a V/STOL capability; and if he will make a statement on the prospects of collaboration in respect of this project.
§ Dr. GilbertThe ability to operate from damaged airfields is a very important factor in the choice of any new tactical combat aircraft for use in Europe. 201W The possibility of a collaborative development of such an aircraft is being explored within the independent European Programme Group. It is too early to predict the outcome.