§ 5. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Technology what research he is conducting into the development of zinc/air and other types of battery with improved storage capacity and lower weight-to-energy ratios than existing designs; and if he will state the budgeted expenditure on this work in the year 1967–68.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe Department is sponsoring a number of research projects 239 both in industry and in universities on advanced battery systems. The National Research Development Corporation is also supporting work. The Departmentment's budgeted expenditure for 1967–68 is £170,000.
§ Mr. LubbockWill the hon. Gentleman let me have a list of those research projects? Is he aware that in the United States Mr. Hoffman of the University of California predicts that in a very little time with zinc/air batteries an electric car can have a range of about 300 miles without recharging? Would not the development of such a vehicle in the United Kingdom lead to a fantastic improvement in the quality of environment in large cities in terms of reduced noise and the virtual elimination of air pollution?
§ Mr. StonehouseI agree that there are tremendous advantages if we can have a break-through in this development. My information is that the range would be something like 200 miles, but it would still be extremely good. As to the list, I shall see that this is reported in the OFFICIAL REPORT.