HC Deb 03 November 1983 vol 47 c439W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Prime Minister what steps she has taken to seek to increase the percentage of British components, both engines and airframes, in major civil aircraft; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Member to the replies to a number of questions given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry on 1 November 1983.—[Vol. 47, c. 329–30.]

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government have taken steps to encourage the fitting of a Rolls-Royce type of engine to the Airbus aircraft; if Her Majesty's Government support the concept of the IAE-2500 engine to be built on the basis of international co-operation; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Her Majesty's Government continue to seek to promote Rolls-Royce's interests whenever potential orders for Rolls-Royce powered Airbus aircraft present themselves. I regret that the company's efforts to secure a place for its RB211 engines on the A300 or A310 have so far not met with success. We support the concept of international collaboration on high technology, high cost, projects such as the IAE-2500 aero engine, and are pleased that the companies of the five nations concerned, including Rolls-Royce, have been able to reach detailed commercial agreement on the arrangements for this proposed project. We also welcome the United States Department of Justice's finding that these collaborative plans do not violate United States antitrust laws. We have now received a request from Rolls-Royce to participate in this programme with launch aid support from Her Majesty's Government. The company's business case is currently being assessed with a view to our reaching a timely decision on this request.