§ 41. Mr. D. Priceasked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Minister for Science to the Geological Society on 26th April, 1961, dealing with the use of manpower to develop a rocket for space research and civil science, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ 43. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Minister for Science to the Geological Society on 26th April, 1961, on science and the future of Great Britain represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. In the passage in my noble Friend's speech to which I assume these Questions refer, he was reaffirming his acceptance of the view of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy that a full scale space pro- 1596 gramme on a purely national basis, including the development of a large launcher, would not be justified solely on pure scientific research grounds.
The wider problem of developing a launcher for heavy satellites is under discussion in Europe at the present time and any further statement of policy on this matter must await the outcome of the discussions.
§ Mr. PriceIs my right hon. Friend aware that, whatever may be the argument on purely scientific grounds, on technological and commercial grounds Britain cannot afford not to take part in space technology, and would not my right hon. Friend agree that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation would be more assisted in his negotiations in Europe if we made it clear that, whatever be the outcome of these negotiations, we are prepared to do something ourselves in this field?
§ The Prime MinisterAs to the negotiations, they are in the hands of the Minister, and I hope very much that we shall be able to get the joint scheme because of the enormous sums involved if this is to be really pressed forward in all its aspects. That is the thing we ought seriously to consider.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that the National Coal Board is allowed only the comparatively small sum of £5 million for scientific research compared with the £25 million or so for the Navy? Will he see that more scientific research is encouraged in the coal industry before going into outer space?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is exactly these claims which have to be considered, and the Government are advised by the National Council as to the best priorities.
§ Mr. PeartIs the Prime Minister aware that on Tuesday the Parliamentary Secretary for Science announced Government policy, and this was not very satisfactory as there is a feeling that the Commonwealth could do something about it? Is this because two years ago when Prime Minister Diefenbaker suggested to the British Government that there should be a joint British-Canadian effort it was refused by the British Government? When will we have some action on this?
§ The Prime MinisterThe two Commonwealth Governments primarily concerned are the Canadian and Australian Governments, both of whom are being consulted on this matter.
Mr. Gresham CookeHas my right hon. Friend seen it reported that the cost of the Russian rocket programme today for launching heavy satellites is about equal to the cost of the whole of our defence programme? If, therefore, it meant either putting up Income Tax by 1s. or 2s. or depressing the standard of living, to go in for a heavy rocket programme, people in this country would not think it worth while.
§ The Prime MinisterAll these matters are palpably matters of the expenditure of money, but money is merely a way of expressing what resources should be given to what particular projects. As everybody knows, to get those priorities right is a difficult matter.