§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has taken any steps to promote research into the development of a British motor car with substantially improved fuel consumption; and whether, in this connection, he has promoted any research into a car driven by a combination of internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
§ Mr. WakehamMy Department is currently supporting a range of vehicle research and development projects, the majority of which contribute towards improved fuel consumption with a small proportion of the funds allocated to the hybrid system.
§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has received any representations concerning the development of hybrid motor vehicles driven both by small internal combustion engines and electric motors.
§ Mr. WakehamYes. Development of drive systems of the type described and their components feature in a proportion of the projects in which my Department has an interest.