§ 4. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Technology what study he has made of the development of cars without gearboxes; and if he will take steps to provide additional finance for the researches being carried out by a firm, whose name has been sent to him, 1129 on hydrostatic transmission and to provide finance for similar developments of cars without clutch or gearbox by other firms in Great Britain.
§ Mr. FowlerThe National Engineering Laboratory, one of the Ministry's industrial research and development stations, has been engaged on the study of hydrostatic transmission for many years.
We will be glad to consider on their merits proposals for development of such systems for motor cars.
§ Mr. RobertsWould not my hon. Friend agree that if the British car industry is to expand its share of the world market, it is important to stimulate development of this sort? Would he not accept that it is vitally important to encourage major technical research between international companies in this field in Britain, to avoid any tendency for them to look upon America as the research centre?
§ Mr. FowlerI certainly accept that we must encourage such developments in the British car industry. The aim of my Department is to apply the resources of the Ministry to provide the greatest benefit to the British economy. The important contributions made by foreign-owned firms are fully recognised, and within this policy each proposal must be considered on its merits.