§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to encourage the British motor car industry to produce vehicles designed to run on lead-free petrol for the American and Japanese markets.
§ Mr. Butcher:Schemes are available under the Science and Technology Act 1965 enabling the Secretary of State to provide financial assistance towards industrial research and development up to and including the launch of new or significantly improved products and processes.
The United Kingdom automobile industry as well as relevant research organisations and companies are encouraged to take full advantage of these schemes and as a result carry out R & D on a wide range of topics including the optimisation of engine performance to meet the various environmental and energy legislative requirements in both home and overseas countries.