§ Mr. Brian Parkynasked the Minister of Technology how much public finance has been allocated during each of the past three years towards the development of an efficient fuel cell.
§ Mr. BennDuring the three years to March, 1966, Departments had spent £12,000, £60,000 and £77,000. The National Research Development Corporation had spent £180,000 up to May this year. The British Rail and the Gas and Electricity Councils are also giving attention to fuel cells as part of their research programmes.
§ Mr. Brian Parkynasked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to co-ordinate all research and development work on fuel cells and expedite the manufacture in Great Britain of a practical and economic working system.
§ Mr. BennYes. I do intend to seek better arrangements for co-ordinating this 39W work which now falls within the responsibilities of many authorities. There is much to be done before the manufacture of an economic working system becomes possible.