§ Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation Supply (1) whether it is proposed to support the development of a larger version of the RB211 engine with European support; and what market the European partners will guarantee for this developed engine;
(2) what are the terms on which Great Britain has been offered re-entry to the A300B European airbus consortium; and how far their acceptance entails withdrawal of Government support from the BAC 3–11 airbus.
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§ Mr. CorfieldI have had discussions with French, German, and Dutch Ministers in connection with their Government's recent invitation to Her Majesty's Government to participate in the A300B. The Government are considering this invitation carefully, and I have promised to meet the other Ministers again shortly. Meanwhile I cannot make a statement on the terms offered or on the question of developing a more powerful version of the RB211 for this aircraft.