HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 c17W
Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts have been made by his Department to inform the Royal Navy of the Sealbeaver project's potential in the defence field.

Mr. Onslow

Arrangements for interdepartmental liaison in the marine technology field have ensured that the Ministry of Defence (Navy) has been kept fully informed about the objective and progress of the Sealbeaver project since its inception. The Ministry of Defence has thus had an opportunity to make its own assessment of the sea-bed vehicle's potential.

Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts have been made by the National Research Development Council to interest other British companies in the Seal-beaver project.

Mr. Onslow

The National Research Development Corporation has made many attempts to interest a number of British companies in continuing development of the Sealbeaver. I understand, however, that its attempts have so far been unsuccessful.