HC Deb 24 July 1961 vol 645 c13
17. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Aviation what contribution will be made by oversea Commonwealth countries to the European space research project.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Australian Government have offered to make the Woomera Range and its facilities available to the proposed European organisation for developing a space vehicle launcher.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Despite Canadian commitments to the United States, partly due to the long delay in starting our own project, are there not Canadians of science and skill and other Commonwealth citizens in countries such as India who can help us?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am sure that there are Commonwealth citizens who could help us and who would be very welcome. The Commonwealth Governments have been kept fully informed. I think that, on the whole, it is unlikely that, apart from Australia, they will be participating directly.