§ 24. Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what research is being initiated by the National Research and Development Corporation into the possibilities of an electric car.
§ Mr. MeacherThe Board of the National Research Development Corporation has authorised research programmes on integrated motor and control systems and also on an advanced battery. Other research projects in the field of electric vehicles are under consideration.
§ Mr. GryllsI am grateful for that answer. Is the Under-Secretary aware of the real advantages in energy saving and in environmental terms of an efficient electric motor car? Will he make every effort to speed up this development, because it could be a useful factor in saving energy supplies?
§ Mr. MeacherWe are well aware of the advantages in terms of noise reduction and freedom from pollution arising out of the development of this kind of vehicle. It is for this reason that nearly £½ million has been devoted to research and development on electric vehicles since 1967.