HC Deb 01 February 1954 vol 523 cc20-1
35. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply which types of British aeroplane engines are now being manufactured, under licence, in the United States of America; when the respective agreements were signed; and how many of each type of engine have so far been produced.

Mr. Sandys

Versions of the Tay and Sapphire aero-engines are now being manufactured under licence in the United States of America. The manufacturing licences were granted in 1947 and 1950, respectively. I cannot, of course, disclose production figures for American military engines.

Mr. Beswick

In view of the extraordinary effort and the huge sums of public money which went into the development of these engines, the details of which have been made known to our American competitors,is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that these arrangements are working to the advantage of this country?

Mr. Sandys

The decisions on these two engines were made under the previous Government.

Mr. Shinwell

Are the United States manufacturers of these engines charged a royalty in respect of licences?

Mr. Sandys

Most certainly.

Mr. Beswick

I was not trying to lay blame on one Government or another. I asked a simple question, which is in the public interest, whether the right hon. Gentleman is quite satisfied that these arrangements are working out to the best advantage of this country?

Mr. Sandys

I am quite sure that they are. There is a great deal of interchange of information and of development knowledge as between the Armed Forces of the United States and of the United Kingdom, and I am quite sure that it is to the mutual advantage of both countries that these arrangements should continue.