§ 7. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Technology if he will state the value to Short Brothers and Harland of their sub-contract work on engine covers for the RB211 jet engines being manufactured for export by Rolls Royce.
§ Mr. StonehouseThis is currently a matter for commercial negotiation between the Company and Rolls Royce Limited.
§ Mr. McMasterIn view of the Government's share interest in the company, will the hon. Gentleman not state what employment he expects this contract to give and for how long?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe expect a substantial increase in the work load as a result of the RB211 pods and I am very glad that Rolls Royce has confirmed that the work will be going to Shorts. This work will build up and the peak will be about 1972. I cannot say exactly how many men will be employed on it.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamHas the hon. Gentleman any other order in mind which could be placed with Messrs. Short?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, a good deal of work is being arranged for Shorts. This pod programme is one of them, and we are satisfied that Shorts can have a very important and viable programme in the next few years.