HC Deb 07 December 1988 vol 143 cc312-4
20. Mr. Mans

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress on the development of the EH 101 helicopter.

Mr. Atkins

The Anglo-Italian EH 101 helicopter programme is approaching the end of its fifth year of full development. The flight-testing programme has been in progress for over a year and three development aircraft have now flown. Aircraft performance has generally been good, with problems no more than would usually be expected with such a development.

Mr. Mans

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he elaborate on the progress of the RTM322 engine built by Rolls-Royce, which will be put in the aircraft at a later date?

Mr. Atkins

As I have already said, the participation of Rolls-Royce in engine manufacture is proving highly successful, and the RTM322 is no exception. We hope that provision will be made for that engine to be available for the super version, but it is for customers to decide what they want.

Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I shall take the statement from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster first.