§ 13. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, in his study of the possibilities and advantages of space exploration by means of rockets, what information his Department has sought and received from the United States of America and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics about the scientific knowledge they have thus gained from sending men into space.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethOur plans for space exploration do not include any projects for sending men into space. No specific inquiries have therefore been directed to this activity. Much relevant information from both the United States and the U.S.S.R. is available to British scientists.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs it true, as reported, that it is my hon. Friend's belief, although he has not made any inquiry, that the Americans and the Russians are not getting value for money out of sending men into space?
§ Mr. FreethMy noble Friend has been advised that the possible scientific benefits of sendings men into space would not justify our incurring the expenditure involved in putting men into space. This, I think, is the application of the principle to this country.
Mr. J. T. PriceWhile the hon. Gentleman is considering this matter in further detail, could he give the House an interim indication of how his Ministry views the comments on space exploration by the Astronomer Royal who is reported as having said some time ago that he regarded this business as "all bunk"?
§ Mr. FreethI think that goes rather wider than the Question.