HC Deb 28 May 1962 vol 660 cc962-3
25. Dr. Stross

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether any further progress has been made in the discussions with Commonwealth Governments for the setting up of a large telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (Mr. Skeffington) on 9th March.

Dr. Stross

Assuming that the outcome is favourable and agreement is reached, how long does the Parliamentary Secretary think it would take actually to do the work itself?

Mr. Freeth

One would have to design and build the telescope, and if one goes by comparison with the length of time taken in other instances in other countries it would be a matter of years rather than months.