§ 34. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation what financial assistance has been given towards the development of aero-engines since 1950; and what has been received from royalties on the sale of aero-erigines.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftDuring the period April, 1950, to March, 1960, payments by the Government to industry for research and development on aero-engines amounted to approximately £289 million. The great bulk of this expenditure was incurred in order to meet United Kingdom defence requirements. Payments to the Government in respect of sales of aero-engines to other customers during the same period amounted to approximately £17 million.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the Minister give more information about a breakdown as between the civil and military grant?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftNo, I am afraid I cannot break it down into military and civil payments.
§ 35. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation what request he has received from Rolls Royce Limited for further financial assistance in development contracts for aero-engines.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftVarious requests. A financial contribution is being offered, subject to contract terms, for the development of the RB.163 engine.
§ Mr. ChetwyndHas the attention of the Minister been drawn to the latest speech by Mr. Pearson, deputy chairman of Rolls Royce, asking for a 50–50 grant towards the development of civil engines in the future?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftMy attention was drawn to the Rolls Royce request for State aid, a request which it is by no means alone in making.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the Minister say what he is doing about it?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftWe are negotiating the possibility of a subscription to the RB.163 engine.