§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their view of the announced intention of British Maritime Technology Ltd. to dispose of the half-mile and other tanks and the facilities for hydrodynamic tank testing at Feltham, given that the only comparable facilities, at Haslar, are available only for Ministry of Defence use; and what steps they propose taking to prevent the loss of one of Britain's major maritime capabilities.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)This is a commercial matter for British Maritime Technology Ltd. The Government were asked for support but could not justify the very substantial sums which would have been required to 107WA keep the facilities open. The company is discussing with the Ministry of Defence possible commercial arrangements for the use of the Ministry's hydrodynamic test facilities at Haslar. HMG welcome rationalisation in the use of expensive facilities.