§ 23. Sir H. Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking with a view to constructing a full-scale prototype of a hovertrain incorporating linear electric propulsion; and through which agencies these studies will be promoted.
§ Dr. BrayAs the hon. Member knows, Hovercraft Development Ltd. has been conducting experimental work on the hovertrain and is in close touch with work abroad in this field.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that this is, perhaps, one of the most important potential technological developments in this country today? Bearing in mind the very big impact which, if its potentialities are realised, it could have on the investment programmes of rail, road and air, will he ensure that no time is wasted in deciding to go ahead with a full-scale prototype?
§ Dr. BrayResponsibility for the work will lie with the National Physical Laboratory when it takes over responsibility from Hovercraft Development Ltd. The people responsible are the Minister of Transport and British Railways directly, and all these are currently involved in discussions.
§ Mr. David PriceThat is not a satisfactory answer. Does the hon. Gentleman seriously suggest that the National Physical Laboratory has the resources or the authority to take this development through the pilot stage which is now extremely urgent? Will he undertake to report to the House within the next few months, or suffer severe censure?
§ Dr. BrayThe hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends will know that this development was under way many years before they left office and had been carried no distance at all while they were 253 responsible for it. We now have a single Ministry responsible for technological development in this field, and I assure them that the economic and technical appraisals are being carried out thoroughly.