§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Aviation (1) if, in the light of the special studies made by his Department, he intends to conduct further research and make further progress in the development of a manned spacecraft: what is the estimated cost of such a project; and whether he proposes that it should be all British, or a European or Anglo-American development;
(2) to what extent consultations have been held with Dr. Barnes Wallis regarding his design of a space fighter, and to what extent the aviation industry generally is being encouraged to forward design studies of spacecraft.
§ Mr. AmeryIntensive studies of the many problems associated with hypersonic flight and space vehicles are being carried out at Royal Aircraft Establishment and Dr. Barnes Wallis' ideas have been examined in this context. A symposium on high-speed vehicles was recently held and was attended by representatives of the aircraft industry. Before the industry can be invited to submit design studies for spacecraft, preliminary research studies will be required, in which industry may be asked to participate. It is too soon to think in terms of co-operation with other countries.