§ 2. Mr. Donnellyasked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a further statement regarding his investigations into the possibility of a British telecommunications research satellite and its commercial application.
§ Miss PikeI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply of 1st December, 1960, to the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason).
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the hon. Lady aware that these Answers are becoming a bit of a bore and that we wait month after month without any clear idea from the Post Office about what it is doing regarding this very important project? Is she aware that suspicion is growing that the Post Office has not the technical competence to form a proper judgment about this very important development in the field of communications? What sort of investigation is actually taking place at the moment?
§ Miss PikeWe are very well aware of the importance of this development and our technical staff are working very closely with the Americans. Of course, these are early days, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall not lag behind.
§ Mr. MasonCan the hon. Lady tell the House exactly what research we have conducted? Have any British scientists 1273 and engineers taken steps towards the development of a satellite which may be used for communication purposes and to what extent have they worked with Post Office engineers in this matter?
§ Miss PikeThat is another question and if the hon. Member will put it on the Order Paper, I shall be glad to answer him.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the hon. Lady aware that two American companies, Bell and another company, have taken considerable steps towards putting forward practical proposals? Can she tell us whether the British Post Office has got as far in this respect?