§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he has taken to maximise the inclusion of British components in modern civil aircraft; what steps he is taking to seek to secure the inclusion of a high percentage of British airframe and engine components in the Airbus family of aircraft; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what information he has regarding the percentage of British components in the Boeing 767 aircraft, and if he will make a statement;
(3) what information he has as to the percentage of British airframe components and engines fitted to (a) the McDonnell Douglas MD 82, (b) the Airbus Industrie A320, (c) the Boeing 737–200 and (d) the Boeing 737–300; if he will indicate what action he is taking to increase these percentages in each case; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherAs far as can be established without disproportionate cost, the percentage of initial British components in the Boeing 727, 737 and 767 aircraft is under 5 per cent. This compares with between 20 and 25 per cent. in the Boeing 747 and 757 aircraft where Rolls-Royce engines are fitted. The 8757 figure will rise by 3326W to 4 per cent. when the RB211–535E4 is introduced, late next year. The percentage in the McDonnell Douglas MD82 is minimal, as compared with between 20 and 25 per cent. in the Lockheed Tristar. These percentages are necessarily approximate because of the extent to which a choice of alternative equipment is offered to airlines by individual airframe manufacturers. The percentage will, in effect, increase over time with the purchase of engine spares and replacements.
The total United Kingdom content in the current models in the Airbus programme, which British Aerospace joined as a full partner only in 1979, is about 10 per cent. Equipment selection for the Airbus A320 is still at a very early stage. If the project proceeds, the Government will wish to be satisfied that the selection procedures are fair and transparent: it will be for British suppliers to seek to win a greater share than on current Airbus models by demonstrating that their products are competitive in price and quality. The proposed IAE2500 engine, which would have a 30 per cent. Rolls-Royce content, is a potential powerplant for the A320.