§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Industry what research and development is taking place into the possibilities of using the vertical take-off principle for civilian aeroplanes; if he will take steps to encourage such research and development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldBritish Aerospace is now responsible for all civil research and development which is in its own commercial interests. However, the vital need to reduce fuel consumption and noise makes it most unlikely that civil VTOL aircraft will find a market in the foreseeable future.