§ 57. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Aviation Supply on what date Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited will take over the aero-engine and gas turbine engine divisions of Rolls-Royce from the Official Receiver, and at what price.
§ Mr. David PriceIt is too early to say what the vesting date will be for this changeover, but as a first step Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. have already taken over selling operations. As regards the price to be paid for the assets being acquired for the purpose from Rolls-Royce Ltd. this will be negotiated among the parties to the Heads of Agreement, as my right hon. Friend announced on 19th March.—[Vol. 813, c.405.]
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what forward planning has taken place for the future of Rolls-Royce 1971 either with or without the RB211 engine; whether he was consulted and approved of the recent decision to offer Rolls-Royce (Composite Materials) Limited for sale when the future requirements of the Rolls-Royce 1971 Company 142W are not yet known; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CorfieldPlanning must clearly take into account prospective work load, allowing for such things as research into future development. Consideration has also to be given to the economics of buying-in materials and parts from specialist contractors as opposed to "in-house" manufacture, especially in instances such as this where the products are by no means wholly required for aero-engines. In the instance mentioned, I saw no reason to challenge the decision on Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. to refrain from acquiring Rolls-Royce Composite Materials Ltd.