HC Deb 18 October 1966 vol 734 cc8-9
9. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement of policy for the future development of the British hovercraft industry, both within and without the scope of the National Research Development Corporation, with particular reference to the expansion of the export trade in this development.

Mr. Shore

The Ministry of Technology together with the N.R.D.C. is giving the industry full support in its efforts to maintain its present technical lead and to explore export markets.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that in the Annual Report of the National Research and Development Corporation, reference is made to the fact that Mr. Cockerell has resigned from the Board of Hovercraft Development. Could the hon. Gentleman say whether there is now unanimity as to the policy between Mr. Cockerell, the N.R.D.C. and the hon. Gentleman's Department as to how to go about the full development and exploitation of this very important invention?

Mr. Shore

Mr. Cockerell's resignation was the subject matter of a statement in the House by my right hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Cousins) several months ago. I have nothing to add to that. Obviously, I would not say that there is unanimity between everyone concerned in this, but there is general agreement about the pattern of development which is now being pursued and which was embodied in the formation of the British Hovercraft Corporation.

Mr. Maxwell

Would my hon. Friend agree that the research and development bias is at present towards vehicles for passenger-carrying purposes, and is he not aware that real money is only to be made in freight-carrying vehicles? Will he say what steps he is taking to bring about a diversion of research effort on to the freight-carrying hovercraft, which is being left out in the cold at the moment?

Mr. Shore

My hon. Friend may be slightly misinformed about this. The SRN4, which is the next major stage in the development of hovercraft, is substantially a freight-carrying vehicle as well as a passenger-carrying one. Both developments are going on at the same time.

Mr. David Price

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what steps are being taken by the Ministry of Transport in its appraisement of transport needs over the next 20 years to accommodate the potential of the hovercraft freight carrier?

Mr. Shore

I cannot give a reply to that Question without notice. I will look into it and write to the hon. Gentleman.