asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has received regading the contract for the retrofitting in the United States of America of British Aerospace aircraft belonging to British airlines; what estimate he has made of the employment effects of this contract on British engineering industries; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will make a statement on the contract for the retrofitting of British aircraft in the United States of America with Rolls-Royce Tay engines; and if Rolls-Royce has given any financial guarantees in connection with this contract.

[pursuant to his reply, 26 January 1987]: My Department has received a number of representations from Executive Jet Sales Limited of Newport Pagnell. A decision to re-engine BAe 1–11 aircraft with Rolls-Royce Tay engines is a commercial matter for British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce. It would be for the companies to take account of all the commercial implications, including effects on employment, as appropriate.