§ 17. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation when the Rotodyne will be in service; how many have been ordered for civil and military use; and what arrangements have been made with 938 Westland Aircraft, Limited, to recoup the Government for their £4 million development contribution from I he future sales of the Rotodyne.
§ Mr. SandysAs I informed the House last week, a contract for the further development of the Rotodyne has now been signed. Meanwhile, work has, of course, been proceeding.
Production contracts are being negotiated to meet the requirements of British European Airways and the Services. These will include provisions for the Government to participate in the proceeds of commercial sales. It would not, however, be proper for me to disclose the contents of the company's order book. It is expected that the Rotodyne will be in service in 1964.
§ Mr. ChetwyndAs the company now making the Rotodyne has a virtual monopoly of helicopter manufacture in this country, could not the Minister be a little more forthcoming on the amount that the Government hope to get out of this deal in view of the fact that we are making a large contribution to the profitability of it?
§ Mr. SandysIt will, of course, depend upon sales.