asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in adapting the hovercraft principle to the design of ships for the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement.

After trials in Borneo last year, we are studying with industry whether hovercraft would make effective patrol craft. We have also had encouraging preliminary studies of hovercraft of 40–80 tons for coastal patrol and logistic support, and we are considering developing and buying prototypes. We are also considering even larger craft.