HL Deb 20 June 1975 vol 361 cc1201-2WA
The Earl of CLANCARTY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider the use of alternating current as energy for cars, tanks, ships, aeroplanes and sub- marines, as the Russians are reported to have done.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of ENERGY (Lord Balogh)

Alternating current is only an intermediate form of energy and all vehicles would still require a primary source of energy, or storage battery. Alternating current is already used for some purposes in vehicles, aircraft and ships and whilst Her Majesty's Government are aware of the Russian work in this field, possible further uses of alternating current will be judged on the technical and economic merits of each particular application.

House adjourned at thirteen minutes before five o'clock.