§ 49. Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Transport what plans his Department has to encourage electric vehicle technology.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Government objective is to encourage the development of electric vehicles where there are prospects of commercial viability. To this end, my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the abolition of vehicle excise duty for electric vehicles in the March 1980 Budget. My Department supports research into the operation of electric410W vehicles and into battery technology. We are also keeping environmental and safety regulations under review to ensure that they do not unfairly penalise electric vehicles.