HC Deb 20 February 1961 vol 635 cc7-8W
56. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Minister of Aviation what practical results have been achieved from his visit to Bonn.

Mr. Thorneycroft

During the course of the visit the Anglo-French proposals for European co-operation in the development of a satellite launcher were explained to Ministers and officials of the Departments concerned. Great interest was expressed in this project and the Federal German Republic were subsequently represented at the Strasbourg Conference the results of which they are now studying. It was agreed that the two countries would start negotiations for the joint development of a VTOL strike aircraft based on the Hawker P.1127. The Federal German Republic will purchase Seacat naval surface-air guided weapons for trials purposes. An encouraging dgeree of agreement was reached with the West German authorities on the kind of weapons needed for defence against low-;flying aircraft: and a basis has been agreed on which Britain will join in the joint work being done in this field by France, Italy and Germany.