§ 13. Mr. D. Priceasked the Minister of Aviation, as representing the Minister for Science, whether he will make a statement on the Government's future policy towards space research.
§ 24. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Aviation, as representing the Minister for Science, whether it is the policy of the Government to increase space 935 research in the United Kingdom; what discussions he has had with other British Commonwealth Governments on this subject, with a view to obtaining their co-operation; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Duncan Sandys)Our general policy towards space research was explained in statements made by the Prime Minister on 12th May last and by the Minister of Supply on 29th July.
The plans for Anglo-American co-operation referred to in these statements are developing satisfactorily and we are proceeding with the preparation of instruments to be carried in the first satellite. As regards Commonwealth co-operation, vertical soundings and experiments in the ionesphere are being carried out, in co-operation with Canada and Australia. All Commonwealth countries have been invited to give us their suggestions on all aspects of the programme and they are being kept fully informed of progress.
At the same time we are going ahead with design studies of the modifications which would be needed to make it possible for Blue Streak and Black Knight to be used for launching satellites ourselves. Meanwhile we shall make any use we can of test firings to obtain further information about conditions in the upper atmosphere.
§ Mr. PriceWhile welcoming the Government's tentative start in space research, may I ask my right hon. Friend, as the mouthpiece of my noble Friend the Minister for Science, whether it is true that our ultimate space research programme depends upon a few Blue Streaks falling from the rich man's table and whether, in his capacity as Minister of Aviation, my right hon. Friend can tell the House whether the rich man will in due course make a few Blue Streaks available for our space research programme?
§ Mr. SandysOn the subject of Blue Streak, the Defence White Paper will be the mouthpiece of the Government and will be published tomorrow.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWhen does the Minister hope that we will be in a position to undertake our own independent space research programme?
§ Mr. SandysWe have first to complete the development of our own ballistic rocket.
§ Mr. WyattDoes the Minister realise that many scientists and engineers of a practical nature, as distinct from those members of the Royal Society who advise him, are extremely worried that if we do not soon begin to spend something of the order of £20 million a year in space research, we will be left behind in this branch of technology by Russia and America, with consequent suffering to our exports in the engineering and scientific field? Will the Government stop fiddling about with sums of £100,000 or £200,000 and get on with it?
§ Mr. SandysThe expenditure in the first case will be modest, but as the programme develops I have no doubt that it will increase. I did not like the hon. Member's disparaging remarks about the Royal Society.