HL Deb 17 October 1973 vol 345 cc284-6

2.38 p.m.

LORD KINGS NORTON

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have yet considered the Report from the Select Committee on Science and Technology on Tracked Hovercraft Ltd., and if so, whether they are able to make a Statement relating to the Committee's recommendations.

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)

My Lords, the Committee's Report is a detailed document and raises many important points which cover the interests of a number of Departments. The Government are considering all the issues and intend to respond as quickly as possible.

LORD KINGS NORTON

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord.

LORD ALPORT

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he is aware, in this connection, that it is the intention of some of those who have been associated with this project from the beginning, such as Professor Laithwaite and Professor Ellison, to bring together an organisation which will continue research into this very important technical development? In those circumstances, although their efforts are entirely unofficial, would there be any financial support from the Government for the project that they have in mind?

LORD DRUMALBYN

Yes, my Lords, these intentions are referred to in the Report, and no doubt will be among those that will be considered by the Government.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, do I understand from what the noble Lord says that there is still a possibility that work will continue on the linear motor? Can he say what is happening in the meanwhile to the track in Cambridgeshire?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, I think that one has to distinguish between work on the linear motor and work on the tracked hovercraft itself. So far as the linear motor is concerned, there is still a possibility, and, as the noble Lord will be aware, arrangements have been made with Hawker Siddeley to continue work on the linear motor.

LORD HARVEY OF PRESTBURY

My Lords, in view of the interest in this matter, will my noble friend say when this is likely to occur?

LORD DRUMALBYN

No, my Lords; I am afraid that it is never possible to say that.

LORD KINGS NORTON

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the tracked hovercraft system at Earith and the linear motor are inextricably connected, and that to test the linear motor we shall need the facilities at Earith?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, so far as Earith is concerned, the Government will take steps to keep Earith open until proposals for its future use have been examined. I understand that the National Research and Development Corporation have invited tenders for the demolition of the track, but no action is to be taken until decisions about its future have been made.