§ 45. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent on research into turbine blading; if he has investigated the recent failure of blades on the RB111 and eariler failure in ships' turbines; what plans the Government has to stimulate research into this area of engineering; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowResearch into turbine blading forms an integral part of the general research and development programmes for turbine engines; it is not 119W practicable to give a separate figure for the expenditure on turbine blading. Government research establishments are fully involved in the investigations on the RB211; they also played a major part in solving the problems encountered in the steam turbine of the "Queen Elizabeth II".