HC Deb 25 July 1960 vol 627 cc91-2W
75. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he can now make a statement about the support he is prepared to give for research and development on supersonic civil aircraft.

Mr. Sandys

As the House knows, the principal airframe and aero-engine groups were asked last year to make a general assessment of the feasibility of developing a supersonic airliner.

The Government have examined these reports and are now ready to consider proceeding a further stage. This will involve selecting one of the two airframe groups and one of the two aero-engine groups to pursue the work of detailed design.

My Department is discussing with the four companies concerned the financial and other terms on which the project might be undertaken. The decision to proceed further will depend partly upon the outcome of these discussions.

Assuming that agreement is reached, design contracts will be placed with the chosen companies, which will be asked to explore further with appropriate foreign firms the possibilities of collaboration.