§ 74. Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what assurances he gave to the United States Government about the future of the RB211 Rolls-Royce engine.
§ Mr. CorfieldNone.
§ Mr. Pendryasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what studies have been made of the possible use of the RB211 turbofan engine as power plant in industrial generating sets, marine application as power for turbine ships, or for possible use in propulsion for a space shuttle.
§ Mr. David PriceRolls-Royce have completed a Ministry of Defence feasibility study contract for the application of RB211 to marine propulsion; further work under a contract for a design definition study, is in progress. Applications to industrial power generation will depend largely on the success of the marine work, but if the costs are right the RB211 has advantages of efficiency154W and quietness which commend it. It is unlikely to be used for space shuttle propulsion.
§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Minister of Aviation Supply if the Government will instruct the assessors appointed to investigate and report on the future prospects of the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine to take evidence, not only from top management, but also from design engineers, technical staff and the trade union joint committee.
§ Mr. David PriceThe report, which has already been submitted, was required in a very tight timescale. It was therefore necessary to leave the assessors free to make their own judgment as to the data they required.
§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what terms of reference have been given by the Government to the three assessors appointed to investigate and report on the future prospects of the RB211 Rolls-Royce engine.
§ Mr. David PriceTo reassess the cost and timescale of the development and production of the RB211, and the funds required.