asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will take action to encourage the development in this country of the Mercer rotary radial engine.

I understand that the firm concerned with the development of this engine has already approached the National Research Development Corporation, who did not feel able to give it financial support. I will, of course, consider any information that the hon. Member may care to send me.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that now the Japanese Government are in this project? Is he aware that this is another case of British "know-how" and ingenuity being lost by the project going abroad? Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to take the initiative and approach the inventor of this engine—who lives in Bradford—to discuss this engine and its potentialities?

I do not think that I can accept what the hon. Gentleman said in the first part of his supplementary question. I repeat that I shall be happy to consider any further information which he provides for me. He will know that the information will be considered seriously.

Can my hon. Friend explain what is the Mercer rotary radial engine?

I cannot pretend that that is a matter which does not arise from this Question. I have a paper on the subject, but it would take too long to explain it to the House. Perhaps I may refer my hon. Friend to the issue of the Motor Cycle of 5th July, 1962.