§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total cost of the design and development of the RB211 to date; what additional cost is estimated to achieve 42,500 lbs. thrust at take-off certificated for airline operation; and what additional cost is estimated to be entailed in achieving an engine certificated at 45,000 lbs. take-off thrust.
§ Mr. OnslowThe amount spent on launching of the RB211 aero-engine was about £100 million up to the collapse of Rolls-Royce Ltd., on 4th February, 1971. Launching costs from that date are estimated at £125 million to achieve RB21122B performance standard, i.e. 42,000 lb. thrust on a hot day; about one-half of this sum has already been spent. The Department is currently examining proposals recently received from Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. to develop a 45,000 lb. thrust version of the RB211 and I am not yet in a position to make an estimate of the likely cost.