asked the Secretary of State for Industry what assistance was given to the British hovercraft industry in 1974; and what is proposed for 1975.

It is expected that in the current financial year support from all sources will be about £ mil lion. In 1975–76 it is expected to be about £1·4 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in view of the cancellation of the Channel Tunnel project, he is prepared to provide funds to further the development and construction of hovercraft capable of carrying substantially greater traffic than at present.

The National Research Development Corporation will consider proposals made to it for aid with the further development of hovercraft. The future development of cross-Channel hovercraft services is, however, primarily a matter for the commercial judgment of the operators concerned.