§ 20. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Technology what research and development his Department is now sponsoring on the Hovertrain; what will be the cost of this during the current year; what percentage this will be of all funds from private and governmental sources spent on this development; and whether he is satisfied that the total funds available are adequate.
§ Mr. ShoreNone, Sir. But Hovercraft Development Ltd., a subsidiary of the N.R.D.C., has been doing some experimental work. It has constructed a small dynamic model and has completed plans for experiments with a man-carrying vehicle.
§ Mr. CrouchWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of this great new development which is in danger of slowing down because of the lack of energetic Government support? Does he consider that the amount of money now available, Government or private money, is sufficient to see that progress is made?
§ Mr. ShoreThis application of the air cushion principle should be seen against the general background of the development of the Hovercraft industry. I agree that this application is very much at the beginning of its development, but we have 233 now reached the stage where further major progress will depend upon detailed studies between H.D.L. and British Railways and studies which, I hope, will embrace alternative fast, land transport systems.