HC Deb 18 July 1961 vol 644 cc1033-4
2. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will list those projects which, the, cost of which being too great to justify an entire independent programme in the United Kingdom, are considered by his Department to justify international cooperation specifying the nature of such projects and the other countries concerned.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The United Kingdom is participating in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research; and in the Dragon and Halden atomic reactor experiments of the European Nuclear Energy Agency. I will circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT lists of the participating countries.

The Anglo-United States Scout satellite programme is a further example. A project for European co-operation in space research is under consideration.

High cost is an important, but not the only factor in deciding whether an international project is desirable.

Mr. Osborn

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him whether he would not agree that at present co-ordination is desirable, and whether he would say to what extent his Department is in touch with other departments in Europe about this matter?

Mr. Freeth

We are, of course, pleased to work on a basis of international cooperation on scientific matters wherever it seems either possible or desirable.

Mr. Peart

Would the hon. Gentleman give details of the Anglo-French-German programme on space research? I put a Question down about this and it has been transferred, but, perhaps, in view of the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn), the hon. Gentleman will be able to give the details.

Mr. Freeth

If the hon. Member is referring to the European space research organisation project, there we are waiting for the two sub-committees to report back to the preparatory commission. If he is referring to the proposed launcher organisation, I have nothing further to add to what has already been said.

Following are the lists:

Dragon and Halden experiments. United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Euratom Commission. European Organisation for Nuclear Research. United Kingdom, France, Federal German Republic, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Greece and Yugoslavia.