§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Supply if the Hunting-Percival research helicopter, the contract for the construction of which was placed by his Department with this firm in 1951, has yet started flying; when its ground-running trials were commenced and completed; and if he will discontinue use of public funds to finance further research into the possibilities of this new form of helicopter propulsion.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe helicopter has not flown yet; ground running trials commenced on 29th April and are not yet complete. There will be no further Government support for the project, beyond the limited programme of which I informed my hon. and gallant Friend in reply to his Question of 2nd March.