§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Technology how many persons are employed by the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford and Farnborough, respectively, on hovercraft work; what is the budget for 1968–69; and what plans he has for this work in the future.
§ Mr. FowlerThe equivalent of three scientific and engineering officers are employed at Bedford, and one at Farnborough, on hovercraft work.
It is expected that £45,000 will be spent by the Royal Aircraft Establishment in 1968–69 on hovercraft work. The total 352W Government expenditure on hovercraft work in 1968–69 will be in excess of £3 million, the greater part being spent extramurally.
Consideration is being given to transferring the work now being done at R.A.E. to the National Physical Laboratory. The Government will continue to undertake a co-ordinated programme of research, development and assessment, and particular attention is being paid to propulsion and lift systems, skirts and skirt materials, and operating economics.