§ Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions between his Department and the companies concerned on a supersonic airliner.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAs a result of those discussions the Government have now selected the British Aircraft Corporation to undertake further work on a limited design study contract for a possible supersonic airliner project. A contract for this work is being negotiated with the Corporation. It will cover a period of about a year and cost £350,000.
If such an aircraft were to be built there would be substantial advantages in carrying it out in co-operation with other countries. The British Aircraft Corporation is being asked as part of the contract to explore further with appropriate companies overseas the possibilities of collaboration with a view to the sharing of costs and the widening of the market for the product.