HC Deb 16 April 1969 vol 781 cc1142-3
23. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Technology what steps are being taken to conserve United Kingdom interests in carbon fibre, in view of its importance in the development of aircraft.

Mr. Fowler

In collaboration with other Government Departments, the A.E.A., and industry, the Department is continuing an extensive research and development programme in carbon fibre technology. This should ensure that a leading position is maintained in both carbon fibre and composite materials incorporating the fibre, at present mainly for aerospace applications. Through the medium of N.R.D.C., licensing arrangements have been made with industry with the intention of securing the maximum economic benefit for this country.

Mr. Rankin

Could my hon. Friend tell us if it is the case that from carbon fibre we will be evolving the airframe of the future, which will largely be made of plastic, with a tremendous effect on increased aircraft speeds? Can he assure us that the patent rights of the process are solely and wholly still in the hands of the producers in Britain?

Mr. Fowler

My hon. Friend is looking into the future when he talks of airframe applications, though I do not doubt that there will be such applications. With regard to the patent situation, the term of the licence granted by Rolls-Royce to Lockheed protect the United Kingdom and export interests of Rolls-Royce and, above all, secure the feed-back of information from Lockheed.

Mr. Ridsdale

Will the hon. Gentleman assure us that he will do everything that he can to encourage smaller firms in the production of carbon fibres, as the impression given in the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology was that there was a monopolistic tendency and that not enough encouragement was being given to smaller firms?

Mr. Fowler

I am not sure that that arises from the Question, but any proposal that arises will be put to N.R.D.C. on its merits.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

May I point out to the hon. Gentleman that the Select Committee did not particularly wish to press the point that my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Ridsdale) thought that it was putting? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Report of the Committee, under the chairmanship of the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Brian Parkyn) is one of great importance, and I hope that the Government will soon let us have their comments on it?

Mr. Fowler

I share the hon. Gentleman's view that this is a Report of very great importance. However, there is another Question on the Order Paper dealing with it, and I hope that he will wait until we reach it.