§ 11. Mr. Mawbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent the British programme of research in the upper atmosphere, as part of our contribution to the International Geophysical Year, will be affected by the decision of the United States to defer the launching of her earth satellites.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe United States decision will no doubt be taken into consideration by the British National Committee which has been set up by the Royal Society to co-ordinate the British programme. As things stand at present the British programme is expected to proceed as planned.
§ Mr. MawbyIn view of the Answer which was given to my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, South (Mr. Partridge) on 14th May, does this mean that Russia alone will now be launching earth satellites?
§ Mr. NichollsSeveral countries, including ourselves, intend to launch rockets of one kind or another. My recollection of the announcement from the United States is that they are merely delaying the launching of their satellite, not abandoning it.