I wish to make a short personal statement.

Yesterday, in answer to a supplementary question from the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys), I said that the fraud on the part of the late Conservative Government in setting up E.L.D.O. to find a use for Blue Streak was abundantly obvious to our European allies.

I regret that I used the word "fraud" and ask the House to permit me to withdraw it and its implications.