Summary:—There is no doubt of the need for strong central planning of aeronautical research and development as advocated by the Post-Plowden Working Party of the Royal Aeronautical Society (pp. 391-392 June 1967 “Journal“).

But there are many other problems in the efficient use of aerospace resources which are equally in need of attention by the Society. Among the most important are:

1. The complementary role of improved industrial and project management.

2. The need to deal separately with the distinct problems of Defence, Civil Aviation and Space—in particular the improvement of Defence procurement methods.

3. The need to discover the correct commercial and engineering bases (as distinct from political bases) for European collaboration.

4. The need to complement the work of a strong planning organisation by providing facilities for high-level and informed technical debate, wherever possible in public.