HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc501-2
4. Mr. Rost

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply how much Government expenditure has been incurred in each of the past three years to help finance research into the development of quieter jet engines; and whether he will make a policy statement.

Mr. David Price

Research into engine noise in the years 1967–68, 1968–69 and 1969–70 has cost £338,000, £523,800 and £857,000 respectively. But other work on aircraft noise reduction brings the totals up to higher figures, and there has also been some private expenditure by the manufacturers.

Mr. Rost

Does my hon. Friend agree that the research work which has been undertaken by Rolls-Royce on its own account in recent years has been considerable, and that, as a result of this work, it has achieved a world lead in the development of quieter engines, and, in particular, that the RB211 has produced a major technical breakthrough in this regard? Will this be considered in the renegotiation?

Mr. Price

Most certainly. On the general point, most of this work has been done at Pyestock but quite a lot has been on contracts from the Department to Rolls-Royce.