HC Deb 08 May 1972 vol 836 c893
18. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the respective certification fees for the British-made HM2 sidewall hovercraft and the Italian-made H57 hydrofoil; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Onslow

Operation of the HM2 hovercraft is at present regulated by a permit to fly, costing £1, backed by a Certificate of Construction and Performance, issued free. The H57 hydrofoil requires a ship's passenger certificate and, under certain circumstances, a radio certificate at a total cost of £147.20 plus any surveyors' attendance costs abroad. New fees based on actual costs for certification of both hovercraft and hydrofoils will be introduced shortly.

Mr. Mitchell

When these new fees are introduced, will the Minister make sure there is no discouragement of the British-made hovercraft compared with its direct rival, the hydrofoil?

Mr. Onslow

I think the important thing is that the new fees should represent accurately the costs involved and I do not know that the manufacturers, who have been consulted, I believe, in the drawing-up of the scale of fees, are as anxious about this as the hon. Member may suggest.