§ Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Technology what progress is being made in solving the difficulties experienced by the operators of amphibious hovercraft with the flexible skirts of these craft; and what support he is giving to the development of improved skirt design.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe Department had kept close watch on the experimental operation of the SRN 4 during late summer 1968. As a result the Department investigated the craft and its skirt problems and decided to concentrate on the SRN 4 to establish a scientific understanding of the problems. Concurrently the Department is working with manufacturers and the operators to improve the existing skirt; in a joint programme aimed at short- and long-term solutions. We are encouraged in this work by experience on the SRN 6 where skirt finger life has improved from less than 500 hours to 1,200 hours.