HC Deb 05 February 1957 vol 564 cc234-5
40. Mr. Lipton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what investigation is being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research into motor car fitments for saving petrol.

Mr. H. Nicholls

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Crosby (Mr. Page) on 29th January, which represents the position as at present known. My noble Friend is, however, discussing with the D.S.I.R. the possibility of convening a meeting of technical experts drawn from industry and elsewhere to consider whether further long-term research would be likely to achieve useful results.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the extravagant claims which are made by the makers for this curious assortment of gadgets, would it not be in the public interest to have an impartial scientific investigation? Why allow our present difficulties to be made the happy hunting ground of a lot of get-rich-quick gadget merchants providing gadgets the value of which is extremely doubtful?

Mr. Nicholls

I think that, on consideration, the hon. Member will see that my original Answer is very forthcoming along the lines he suggested.

Mr. Lipton

But what is being done?

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