HC Deb 02 May 1960 vol 622 cc674-5
9. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Aviation what further cost would be incurred, now that military development of the Blue Streak rocket has ceased, in order to put a satellite of useful dimensions into orbit round the earth.

Mr. Sandys

The cost of a space research programme based on Blue Streak is now being examined.

Mr. Albu

Would the Minister agree that the figure for putting a satellite in orbit will probably be not less than £20 million? Does he not think, in view of the need to improve the scientific resources of British industry generally, that it would be wrong for us to attempt a programme of this sort by ourselves? Should we not therefore collaborate, for instance, with other European countries in such a programme?

Mr. Sandys

On that second point, of course it will cost a certain amount of money. Exactly how much is just the matter we are looking into at this moment. As for collaboration, I shall have a word to say about that in reply to a Question about my recent talks with the French and German Governments.