§ 39. Mr. John Pardoeasked the Minister of Technology what discussions he has had with representatives of the British motor industry about the development of a pollution-free engine; and what financial aid is being given by his Department towards the cost of such development.
§ Dr. Ernest A. DaviesThe Department frequently discusses the reduction of exhaust pollution with the motor industry. It gives the industry general help by means of its annual grant to the Motor Industry Research Association, and is also supporting the development of batteries for electric cars.
§ Mr. PardoeIs the Minister aware that both the President of the United States and the President of General Motors, whose policy on this matter is as one, have called in America for the development of a pollution-free engine within 971 five years as a time limit? Will he now state a time limit for the British industry?
§ Dr. DaviesI think that it is impossible to develop a motor car engine which is totally pollution-free, but what can be done at a cost of about £20 or £30 is to develop the technical aspects of an existing engine in order to meet the present Federal regulations in the United States of America.