§ 28. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for increasing financial assistance for research in the car industry.
§ Mr. ChatawayI have no firm plans for increasing the financial assistance for specific research work in the car industry but my Department will continue to cooperate with the industry by financially supporting joint venture projects in appropriate circumstances.
§ Mr. HuckfieldAs the Governments of many countries, including the United States, Japan and Sweden, seem to be using exhaust emission and safety regulations as a means of keeping British cars out of their markets, and as the British car industry makes a substantial contribution to the balance of payments, what endeavours does the Minister intend to make to help British car manufacturers to comply with these increased foreign regulations?
§ Mr. ChatawayThere have been a number of grants to joint research projects from my Department. The Department of the Environment has also stepped up its work with the Motor Industry Research Association. We shall be prepared to look at further projects by that association. I believe that that is the best way to proceed.