asked the Minister of Aviation what contribution his Department is making to original research and development work in the electronics field, in order to improve the range and standard of equipment available for civil aviation purposes.

My Department's research and development establishments, in cooperation with industry, are devoting considerable effort to a wide range of civil aviation problems. These include approach and landing guidance, long-range navigation, communications, ground data handling and processing systems, the application of automation to future air traffic control systems and the use of micro-electronics techniques for civil aviation equipments. My Department will also finance the greater part of the British share in the development of the Concord supersonic transport aircraft which will entail the development of a number of advanced electronic systems.

In view of the tremendous American challenge in this respect, is my right hon. Friend aware of the absolute necessity of having an adequate system to distribute research information from his Department to private industry?

Yes, Sir, very much so. The links with industry have been recently strengthened and we are very much aware of the need for the fullest dissemination of information. I am holding a conference on Friday of this week with the leaders of the electronics industry to consider this among other matters.

What is the cost to public funds of this help?

I cannot answer offhand, but if the hon. Gentleman likes to put down a Question, I will do my best to answer it.