§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will study the case for industrial and commercial transport operators using electrical vehicles; if he will encourage research into the development of new battery systems for electrical vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cryer:The study of electric vehicle applications receives constant attention in my Department. Such applications are determined primarily by economic considerations and the many active manufacturers in this field ensure that opportunities for the use of electric trucks and other vehicles are not neglected.
This Department is contributing to the current research into the sodium sulphur battery, the most promising energy storage source, funds the Advanced Battery Support 1 it at Harwell, and has the question of new battery systems continually under review.