HC Deb 02 May 1961 vol 639 cc1123-4
36. Mr. Peart

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement on present plans for Great Britain's contribution to a space research programme.

Mr. Freeth

I apologise for the length of this reply.

Great Britain's present programme for space research is comprised of five main elements. There is the programme of scientific experiments using sounding rockets. Further experiments will be made in satellites to be launched by the United States, with whom we are also collaborating in the testing of communications using satellites.

Thirdly, we are taking an active part in the Preparatory Commission recently set up to plan a European organisation for co-operation in scientific research in space. We and the French Government have also proposed to other European Governments a co-operative programme for the development of satellite launchers, beginning with one based on Blue Streak to be fired from the joint United Kingdom-Australia range at Woomera. Finally we are doing a great deal of satellite tracking and data analysis work, including the operation of one of the three World Data Centres, which act as international clearing houses for space research information.

All these activities reflect the great importance which Her Majesty's Government attaches to international co-operation in space research and our future plans will, therefore, be considerably affected by the results of the discussions which are taking place with other countries with regard to the third and fourth elements of our programme which I have enumerated.

Mr. Peart

While there is an improvement in the sense that the Government are now giving a little more detail of what they are trying to do, could not the Government really hasten these discussions? Again, are we in consultation with the Commonwealth Governments in relation to a space programme, specifically Australia, and could he give us more information in that direction?

Mr. Freeth

We are in very close contact with both the Australian and Canadian Governments. With regard to the European discussions on the Blue Streak project, those discussions are going forward and we hope that they will reach an early and acceptable conclusion.

Mr. Farey-Jones

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that his lengthy verbiage in reply to the Question constitutes a complete smoke-screen and that the discouragement emanating from his Department to British participation in a space research programme is leading already to an exodus of the finest brains of this country to the United States and Canada? Will he emphasise to his leader that the failure to participate, with or without international support, in a British Commonwealth space research programme can lead only to disaster?

Mr. Freeth

With regard to the first two points made by my hon. Friend, I would very strongly disagree with what he said. With regard to his last remark, there is a Question down to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Thursday, which, I think, will cover the point.