§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will allocate part of the energy and research and development annual expenditure to conduct research into wind-powered shipping.
§ Mr. ButcherOver £200,000 has been provided to industry since 1983 under the Department of Trade and Industry's support for innovation scheme towards the cost of projects relating to the use of wind in ship propulsion. A United Kingdom device which has received such support has recently commenced sea trials on a vessel operated by Stephenson Clarke Shipping. Wind assistance is a promising approach to greater fuel efficiency. Support for further projects, as part of the efficient ship programme, will be considered if appropriate proposals are presented to the Department.