§ 9. Mr. Jannerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the development and production of Hovercraft in the United Kingdom; and if he will state the extent to which British industry is now participating in and contributing towards the finance of the Government-sponsored project.
§ Mr. MaudlingResponsibility for the development of Hovercraft based on the principle demonstrated in the S.R.N. l. prototype rests with Hovercraft Development Ltd. in which the National Research Development Corporation holds a majority interest. I understand that several United Kingdom concerns are cooperating with that company in investigating the possibility of collaboration in future development programmes.
§ Mr. JannerIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that we are proceeding as speedily as we can in the development of this important industry? What is the position with the various schemes for such development?
§ Mr. MaudlingThis is a matter which is being handled by the National Research Development Corporation. Therefore, I obviously cannot deal with day-to-day management any more than I could in the case of a nationalised industry. However, I have been very impressed with the keenness and imagination which the Corporation has shown on this project and I am confident that it is not overlooking any possibility which might arise.
§ Mr. MellishIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Transport made a speech yesterday saying that we were on the verge of having Hundreds of these Hovercraft coming into this country and having transport by monorail and so on. Does he support the idea that we are just on the brink of travel by Hovercraft? Does he share those views?
§ Mr. MaudlingI always support my right hon. Friend's speeches.