British Aero-Engines (United States Manufacture)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Supply – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 February 1954.

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Photo of Mr Frank Beswick Mr Frank Beswick , Uxbridge 12:00, 1 February 1954

asked the Minister of Supply which types of British aeroplane engines are now being manufactured, under licence, in the United States of America; when the respective agreements were signed; and how many of each type of engine have so far been produced.

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

Versions of the Tay and Sapphire aero-engines are now being manufactured under licence in the United States of America. The manufacturing licences were granted in 1947 and 1950, respectively. I cannot, of course, disclose production figures for American military engines.

Photo of Mr Frank Beswick Mr Frank Beswick , Uxbridge

In view of the extraordinary effort and the huge sums of public money which went into the development of these engines, the details of which have been made known to our American competitors,is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that these arrangements are working to the advantage of this country?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

The decisions on these two engines were made under the previous Government.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Easington

Are the United States manufacturers of these engines charged a royalty in respect of licences?

Photo of Mr Frank Beswick Mr Frank Beswick , Uxbridge

I was not trying to lay blame on one Government or another. I asked a simple question, which is in the public interest, whether the right hon. Gentleman is quite satisfied that these arrangements are working out to the best advantage of this country?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I am quite sure that they are. There is a great deal of interchange of information and of development knowledge as between the Armed Forces of the United States and of the United Kingdom, and I am quite sure that it is to the mutual advantage of both countries that these arrangements should continue.