HC Deb 29 March 1976 vol 908 c885
17. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what reply he has made to requests from Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited for assistance in funding the development of the RB401 engine.

Mr. Varley

I have had no such requests for assistance from Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd.

Mr. Whitehead

Will my right hon. Friend seek the technical specifications of this new engine from Rolls-Royce at the earliest opportunity? Will he agree that engines of this type form a valuable bread and butter product for the British aerospace industry in the future, especially if some of our more grandiose projects have to be wound down?

Mr. Varley

I agree with a good deal of what my hon. Friend says. In the first place, it is for the National Enterprise Board to look into this project, but, of course, I shall give careful consideration to any recommendations which are put to me about it.