HC Deb 26 July 1971 vol 822 cc9-11
7. Mr. Walter Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is now in a position to make a statement on the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine.

24. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement about further financial guarantees for the RB211 engine.

37. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his intentions are for the future manufacture of the RB211; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Corfield

I expect to make a statement to the House before the Recess about the RB211 engine.

Mr. Johnson

In view of the more hopeful signs from Washington, will the right hon. Gentleman now give an assurance that work will continue on the RB211 beyond 8th August even if the American Administration and Congress have not made a decision by 6th August, when they go into recess? Is he aware that leading members of the Nixon Administration have said that a firm order from B.E.A. would be very helpful during the concluding stages of the negotiations? Will he ask B.E.A. to take its finger out and place an order?

Mr. Corfield

In regard to the immediate future, I have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave on 14th June, that this will be a matter for consultation with the other parties to the contract with whom I am in touch. But I am convinced that a unilateral statement on behalf of Her Majesty's Government at present would not be in the interests of the object the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Mr. Whitehead

What communication has the right hon. Gentleman received from one of the largest potential purchasers of the aircraft, T.W.A., who have given a deadline of 15th August to the Congressional Committee which has been investigating the Lockheed guarantee? Has there been any approach to Rolls-Royce (1971) or the British Government?

Mr. Corfieid

No, Sir.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will my right hon. Friend assure us that he will keep in the closest touch with the trade unions concerned in Derby and the suppliers, both of which groups have done everything they can to help the Government help Rolls-Royce to keep going over these very difficult months?

Mr. Corfield

If my hon. Friend has in mind the possibility of there being something further to add during the recess, I can assure him that I will make every effort to ensure that all Members concerned are personally informed.

Mr. Rost

Although my right hon. Friend cannot make a statement at this stage, can he confirm my information that the technical development work on the RB211 at Derby has been making exceptionally good progress in recent weeks, as is the flight testing programme of TriStar? Is not that a most important development?

Mr. Corfield

Yes, Sir. What my hon. Friend said in the first part of his supplementary question is indeed my understanding.