§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will provide financial assistance to industry for the research, development and marketing of diesel engines as suitable substitutes for petrol engines for private road vehicles.
§ Mr. MeacherFinancial assistance is already available under the Science and Technology Act for research and development of this kind, and my Department has spent some £100,000 over the last few years on supporting minor research projects relevant to the development of lightweight diesel engines. The rising cost of fuel has given urgency to the development of more economical engines for privates road vehicles, including diesel engines, and my Department is discussing future development requirements with companies in the industry.