§ 24. Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will now make a further statement on whether he will develop the Rolls-Royce Pegasus Aeroengine for military use; and what is his latest estimate of the cost involved.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourI have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 17th February.—[Vol. 831, c. 142.]
§ Mr. WilkinsonIs my hon. Friend aware how disappointing that answer is? Many of us on this side of the House believe, like foreign navies, that if the Pegasus 15 were developed for a relatively small investment there would be a substantial benefit to our balance of payments from the overseas sales of this very fine aircraft.
§ Mr. GilmourAs my hon. Friend knows, we are currently considering these matters and a feasibility study is under way.