§ 41. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Aviation what consideration he has given to launching an entirely British space vehicle using British first, second and third stages.
§ Mr. AmeryHer Majesty's Government gave full consideration to the possibility of developing an entirely British satellite launcher. The cost of any such project would be heavy. The Government accordingly decided that the balance of advantage lay in collaboration with other European countries. My predecessor therefore signed the Convention for the European Launcher Development Organisation.
§ Mr. CroninIs it not the case that the Government already had Blue Streak as the first stage, they have Black Knight which, with only minor modification, could be used as a second stage, and the only expense involved would be the third stage? Surely there would be a good purpose in having an entirely all-British launching project?