BLUE STREAK MISSILE (Hansard, 26 April 1960)

§ 29. Mr. Swingler
asked the Prime Minister which Ministers will now consider, with the firms and other interests concerned, whether the Blue Streak missile could be adapted as a launcher for space satellites.

§ The Prime Minister
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation is considering this matter with the firms concerned. My noble Friend the Minister for Science is in touch with the scientists interested in space research. The decision whether or not to proceed with the programme will naturally be one for the Government as a whole.

§ Mr. Swingler
Will the Prime Minister give an assurance that the assent of the House will be sought before any decision is taken on proceeding with Blue Streak as a space satellite launcher? Secondly, will the Prime Minister say what steps he is taking to ensure that this matter is being considered entirely on its merits in the interests of science and the nation and not at all biased by any idea of face-saving devices for Ministers or a sop to vested interests involved?

§ The Prime Minister
The second part of that supplementry question seemed to be more in the nature of a speech, which perhaps the hon. Gentleman will have an opportunity to make tomorrow during the short debate which I understand the Opposition has asked for. Regarding the first part of the question, it is, of course, for the Government to take the decision and for the House of Commons to support them or not as it may think fit.

Mr. H. Wilson
While, as the right hon. Gentleman has said, we shall be debating this tomorrow, will he use his influence—which is probably considerable—within the Government to ensure that when this matter is decided by the Government we shall have the whole scheme for space research put before the House, with the estimated cost, so that the House and the country may have an opportunity to discuss it and consider whether it is really worth the money involved?

§ The Prime Minister
As I say, I think it is for the Government to make the decision. The question of a debate is a matter we can arrange in the usual way in a manner agreeable to all. I will certainly use my influence with the Government to get a united decision. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would occasionally use his influence to get unity on this matter among the Opposition.

§ Mr. Shinwell
How does the right hon. Gentleman know that the debate tomorrow will be a short one? Is he aware that that is not a matter for the Government to determine; it is a matter for the House?

§ The Prime Minister
Of course, but it is usual for the Government to accede to the request of the Opposition, and I understood that the official Opposition had asked for a short debate.