§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research is being undertaken by the Government, or by the Government in conjunction with private industry, into ways of improving the viability of electric-propelled vehicles, particularly for delivery purposes, into improving the weight/energy ratio of batteries, and into the development of hybrid internal combustion/ battery-electric vehicles.
§ Mr. ChatawayI have been asked to reply.
Since 1967 the Government have spent about £400,000 on research and development in this field. A project definition study, commissioned by my Department, of the sodium-sulphur battery, which has a high energy-weight ratio, has very recently been completed and is now being considered with the Electricity Council, British Rail and the Department of the Environment. The development of this battery poses considerable technical problems which must be overcome before it can become a commercial proposition.
The prospects for hybrid-electric vehicles, which also depend on the development of a satisfactory battery, are the subject of discussions between my Department and industry.