asked the Minister of Technology what assistance from public funds is at present being given to research into the linear electric motor; and what Government help he proposes to make available for this purpose in future.

My Department is not at present carrying out or supporting research or development in this field though I am prepared to consider proposals put to me. I am informed, however, that the Science Research Council is providing grants totalling some £44,000 to three universities. In addition British Rail and the Electricity Council are doing work from their own resources.