§ 17. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Technology what evidence he has received of interest by foreign airlines in the Rolls-Royce advanced technology engines, RB207andRB211.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe new technology engines RB207 and RB211 have aroused widespread airline interest. These engines promise to be particularly attractive to operators by virtue of their economy of operation and because they will be significantly quieter.
§ Mr. OnslowCan the Minister say what scale of Government funds is committed to the development of both engines, and will he give an assurance that their saleability, which will depend on their early availability, will not be held up by penny-pinching on the part of the Government?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe are associated with the French and Germans as partners in the full development of the RB207 for the European airbus. Concerning the RB211, we are continuing to give it every support during the development stage.
§ Mr. BrooksIs my hon. Friend aware that considerable anxiety has been expressed on the Continent about the European airbus having only two engines? Will he tell me whether this is the appropriate moment to repeat my earlier question?
§ Mr. StonehouseI would ask my hon. Friend to await Question No. 26.
§ Mr. MartenIf Lufthansa does not express its intention of ordering the European airbus by a certain time next year, and, therefore, the airbus does not go ahead, because I believe that was one of the pre-conditions, what will happen about the RB207?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe Lufthansa commitment is not expected, nor required, until next summer. We have assurances from German Ministers that they will honour the agreement they signed a few months ago, which involved a commitment by the national airline to this particular aircraft. There is no doubt that the development of the RB207 depends on the European airbus going ahead, but I am confident that it will go ahead, because it will be an ideal aircraft to meet the requirements particularly of the three airlines to which reference has been made.