HC Deb 17 January 1977 vol 924 cc57-8W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he will take to encourage the production of the Boeing 747 powered by Rolls-Royce engines in view of its excellent performance as a civil and military aircraft.

Mr. Les Huckfield

My hon. Friend is right in what he says about this engine's performance. The Government currently provide substantial technical and financial assistance for the application of the RB211–524 engine to the Boeing 747 airliner which has been ordered in this form by British Airways. The Rolls-Royce powered aircraft is still undergoing the obligatory pre-delivery trials, but we expect further orders to follow once the expected high standards of in-service performance can be demonstrated. In the meantime we continue to assist Rolls Royce (1971) Ltd. in any way we can in pursuing possible sales prospects.