3. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on the Report of the Working Party on Hydrofoils.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Neil Carmichael)As my hon. Friend explained to the hon. Member on 22nd October—[Vol. 788, c. 279]—the results of the technical investigations recommended by the working party are now being studied in conjunction with the working party's report. This is still the position.
Mr. Gresham CookeIs it not time that we heard something about this hydrofoil report? Is it not true that the working party was set up originally under Mr. Silverleaf two years ago and that an interim report was published 18 months ago? Should not hon. Members now be given a sight of it?
§ Mr. CarmichaelAny decision on the production of hydrofoil ships in this country is a matter for industry and the Government. It is a potentially very expensive development and, like industry, the Government must consider the matter very carefully indeed.
§ Mr. David PriceAm I correct in my information that the report of the working party was received by the Minister in November, 1968? In any event, would the hon. Gentleman make copies of it available to hon. Members?
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe had a copy some time ago. Although some of the material in the report is commercially rather secret, I will ask my right hon. Friend to consider the possibility of releasing at least some of the information.