HC Deb 28 February 1972 vol 832 c13W
62. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the placing of exploratory engineering contracts by his Department with the British aircraft industry for a new short/medium haul airliner.

Mr. David Price

Specific contracts ale now being negotiated with the British aircraft industry. These concern exploratory engineering studies necessary before considering the desirability of committing public resources to any particular project for quiet short or medium haul aircraft capable of operating from short runways.