§ Mr. Levyasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the development of electric-battery propelled vehicles as a means of conserving petrol supplies; and whether he will give all assistance in the scope of his Department to any move in this direction by industry?
§ Mr. LloydVehicles propelled by electric batteries already enjoy certain advantages both in respect of taxation and because the electricity they use is not subject either to duty or rationing. Moreover, the weight of the battery is not taken into account in assessing the speed limit category for the vehicles.
These advantages should encourage the development and adoption of electric battery vehicles in suitable circumstances in the same way as they are expected to do in the case of vehicles driven by producer gas.
While I view with sympathy and interest the development of methods of transport which result in conserving petrol supplies, I should not feel justified in present circumstances in recommending more favourable treatment in these respects for battery traction than is being given to producer gas.