§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Trade to what extent public funds are being used to finance research into the development of anti-misting kerosene as a safer aircraft fuel; when he expects the fuel to be ready for marketing; and whether he is satisfied that adequate funds are available for this project, having regard to the need to ensure minimum casualties in aircraft accidents.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisA programme of research into anti-misting kerosene (AMK) has been in progress in the United Kingdom since the late 1960s supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Industry. Payments last year by Her Majesty's Government were approximately £190,000. Initial fire suppression trials with AMK are encouraging, but a number of technical and economic problems have still to be overcome. Should sufficient progress be made, the question of adopting such a fuel would have to be approached on a world-wide basis and the resulting international agreements could take many years to bring about. This timescale is not significantly affected by the level of contributions from Her Majesty's Government.