HC Deb 24 January 1967 vol 739 cc1255-6
24. Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a report upon the development work being carried out by Hovercraft Development Limited, of Hythe, upon the hovertrain.

Mr. Dell

Hovercraft Development Ltd. has been continuing experimental work on the hovertrain and is in discussion with the Railways Board.

Mr. Price

Does the Parliamentary Secretary recognise that the French are going ahead with M. Jean Bertin's aerotrain and are having a 10 kilometre trial on it and that ours is technically on paper superior? Could we get a move on in doing an experiment with British Railways, because this offers tremendous prospects for inter-provincial passenger travel?

Mr. Dell

I am aware of the interesting work going on in France on this matter. A joint study is now being undertaken with the Ministry of Transport on future prospects for hovertrains in this country.

Mr. Fortescue

Would the Parliamentary Secretary confirm that this work is among the work being taken over by the National Physical Laboratory on 1st April?

Mr. Dell

I shall have to write to the hon. Gentleman on that point.