HC Deb 24 March 1971 vol 814 cc113-4W
21. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply what representations he has received as to the delay which has been caused to the Lockheed Tristar certification schedule through the late delivery of flight-rated RB211 engine.

Mr. Corfield

None. The first and second Lockheed Tristar aircraft flew on time.

Mr. Whitehead

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply whether discussions between negotiators representing Her Majesty's Government and Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited and Lockheed Aviation, over the renegotiation of the RB211 engine, have been on the basis that all research for this project was presently continuing.

Mr. Corfield

Lockheed know that work is continuing on RB211 at a level which will enable the project to go ahead without further delay if a new contract is negotiated.

Mr. Whitehead

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply what number of redundancies declared at Rolls-Royce Limited between 8th March and 24th March has involved staff working on the RB211 project.

Mr. Corfield

Although the number of people working on the RB211 project has not declined significantly between the two dates mentioned, some individuals declared redundant have been replaced in post. No estimate of this number is available.

Mr. Whitehead

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply whether the offer by Her Majesty's Government for a renegotiated RB211 contract now being considered by Lockheed Aviation includes provision for continuing work into Hyfil carbon fibre fan blades.

Mr. Corfield

The negotiations are concerned with the broader aspects of a new contract for supply of the RB211 engine to Lockheed, on the assumption that the engine will be fitted with Titsnium fan blades. The use of Hyfil at a later stage is not ruled out.

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