HC Deb 22 October 1973 vol 861 cc691-2
24. Sir D. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is to become of the tracked hovercraft site near Earith.

34. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement on the Select Committee Report on the hover-train project.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

As I informed the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding) in my answer to his Question on 16th October, the Government are carefully considering the Committee's report and will respond as soon as possible. The Government are taking into account the Committee's recommendations about the future use of the tracked hovercraft site.

Sir D. Renton

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Earith track is of unique scientific value and that the Imperial College has offered to use it for important experiments on large linear motors and high speed suspension systems, as recommended by a Select Committee of this House? Will my hon. Friend make an early statement saying that the Imperial College is to be allowed to get on with this important job, thus helping the country to maintain its lead in this field?

Mr. Heseltine

The Government will make a detailed reply to my right hon. and learned Friend and to the Select Committee by means of a White Paper as early as possible.

Mr. Steel

Will the Minister amplify the phrase "as early as possible"? Is he aware that this matter is of particular interest to my hon. Friend the Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. Freud)—in whose constituency part of the track is centred—and to me, because the company was at one time considering representations about possible prototype passenger carrying on the disused Waverley route? Will the Minister consider the Select Committee's recommendation that Lord Rothschild's "Think Tank" might consider the whole project?

Mr. Heseltine

The issues raised by the hon. Gentleman will be considered by the Government in their reply, although I do not believe that it would be appropriate for the "Think Tank" to do this particular exercise in addition to that for which the Government are responsible.