HC Deb 23 July 1980 vol 989 cc258-9W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what support is being given to United Kingdom industry by his Department and the European Economic Community towards the development of traction batteries for heavy lorries, passenger cars and buses of all types; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

No financial support is being given by the Department at the present time, and none is being received from the EEC, for the development of traction batteries specifically for heavy lorries, passenger cars and buses. The Department does, however, support research and development aimed at traction batteries more generally which could be beneficial in future to the specific vehicles mentioned. Assistance towards current advanced battery projects amounts to £3.03 million from the Department and £180,000 from the EEC.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what support, help and guidance his Department and the European Economic Community are giving to United Kingdom industry for battery-driven vehicle development and for the demonstration programmes of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Department actively supports research, development and demonstration programmes in connection with battery electric vehicles and their components including batteries and drive line systems. Support for all these current activities amounts to £292 million. No EEC funding is being received specifically for vehicle development and vehicle demonstration programmes.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what further developments have taken place regarding the funding of advanced technology development in battery charging supported by his Department and by the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Department is not currently supporting projects concerned specifically with advanced technology development in battery charging. The Department does, however, support research and development aimed at batteries and charging technology more generally but no changes have taken place regarding the funding arrangements of these current projects in connection with advanced technological development in battery charging. Current EEC assistance to United Kingdom industry towards battery charger development amounts to £92,500.