§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Aviation (1) why the specification for the Anglo-French variable geometry aircraft has not yet been agreed;
(2) what steps he has taken to develop the engine for the Anglo-French variable geometry aircraft.
§ Mr. MulleyFeasibility studies in the French and British industry and discussions between the French and British staffs concerned on the operational and technical specification of the variable geometry aircraft are progressing well. This stage in the definition of the programme is of great importance and is bound to take time if it is to be done thoroughly.
Concurrently a contract has been placed by the French Government for a project study and some initial component de 550W velopment of the engine with the French firm S.N.E.C.M.A. who have subcontracted half the work to Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd.