§ 31. Sir G. Sinclairasked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made during the last three years in research supported by the Government in evolving quieter aircraft engines.
§ Mr. StonehouseDirect expenditure by the Department on engine noise research is estimated at £450,000 this year—an increase of about 50 per cent. over last year.
In addition contracts to the value of £1.3 million have been placed with Rolls Royce for the development of advanced technology engines and further support is being negotiated. These engines, among which is the RB.207 which will be used in the European Airbus, and the RB.211 59W which will also have important applications, will reduce jet noise substantially through the use of high by-pass ratios.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Minister of Technology what recent progress has been made to reduce noise of aero-engines; how many staff are directly engaged upon research and design in this field; and when he expects a breakthrough in this work.
§ Mr. StonehouseAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Dorking (Sir G. Sinclair).
Most of the work in this field is carried out by Rolls Royce under direct contract from the Department and on their own account. Nineteen of my Department's research staff—including technical management and supporting grades—are directly employed on supporting work in the Department's establishments.