§ Lord EVANS of CLAUGHTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps are being taken to make funds available for research into the practicability of developing commercial sailing ships particularly for transporting grain between the United Kingdom and the United States of America, with particular reference to the Port of Liverpool where some research has already taken place.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMThe Department of Industry has commissioned a feasibility study on the viability of operating large commercial sailing vessels suitable for use as a bulk carrier container or general cargo ship. The study will include the production of preliminary drawings, operational costs, an analysis of freights and voyages, and will also consider safety and training requirements. The Department has drawn the contractor's attention to the research undertaken at Liverpool.