§ 46. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Aviation, as representing the Minister for Science, whether he will 919 make a further statement about Commonwealth and European participation in a joint space programme.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Duncan Sandys)I cannot add at present to what I said on this subject on 2nd May.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonCan my right hon. Friend say whether this vital matter was discussed with other Commonwealth representatives on the occasion of the recent Commonwealth Conference?
§ Mr. SandysThe attention of the Conference was drawn to it in very general terms, but, as my hon. Friend knows, no decision has yet been taken by Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWhen does the right hon. Gentleman think he will be able to make a statement on this most important topic? When will he be able to say what the future of Blue Streak will be with regard to a civil space programme and what the likely cost of adapting it will be?
§ Mr. SandysThat is just what we are inquiring into. I hope that an announcement will be made as soon as possible, but I would not like the House to assume that it will be before the Whitsun Recess.
§ Mr. ChetwyndDoes the right hon. Gentleman envisage a Commonwealth and European programme, or just a Commonwealth programme?
§ Mr. SandysWe have first to decide whether we are going on with Blue Streak as a satellite launcher.