asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made in building the Saunders Roe flying boat; and when does he expect this work to be completed.

Satisfactory progress has been maintained in the design and construction of the Saunders Roe civil transport flying boat. The completion of the three aircraft on order would take about three and a half years.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that it is not the intention to cut this programme but to proceed with it?

The whole programme is under constant review. I can give no guarantee about it at all.

When the right hon. Gentleman says it will take three and a half years, why does he not inform the House if he is uncertain that these aircraft will be completed?

Because the Question was not directed to that point, but to how long it would take.