§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology what encouragement and backing the National Research Development Corporation and other agencies are now giving to hovercraft manufacturing companies for the design, development, construction and trials of heavy oceangoing freight and passenger hover vehicles and vessels.
§ Mr. BennI understand that the National Research Development Corporation regard the British Hovercraft Company's SRN.4 as a necessary stage in the 271W development of heavy ocean-going hovercraft.
The first SRN.4 which is receiving launching support from the Corporation, should be undergoing its manufacturer's trials before the end of the year. Its performance will be closely watched by all those who are working on still heavier craft.
§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology (1) what Government agencies are sponsoring or carrying out research and development on heavy ocean-going passenger and freight hover vehicles in excess of 150 tons; what expenditure has been allocated; how much of this is spent in total; which agencies have allocated funds, which agencies are spending it; and how much in each case;
(2) if he will give the total value of funds made available to private industry for the manufacture, development and proving of heavy ocean-going passenger and freight hover vehicles in excess of 150 tons; what companies have received funds for this purpose; on what specific projects funds have been allocated; and what has been the amount in each instance.
§ Mr. BennA contract for preliminary studies for a military hovership has been let by my Department to the British Hovercraft Corporation. The National Research Development Corporation has given some financial support to the same company towards the launching costs of the SRN.4. It is not customary to disclose the sums involved.