HC Deb 30 July 1963 vol 682 c222
25. Sir J. Eden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what changes in the administration of his Department will take place as a result of the reorganisation of the Ministry of Defence, in order to ensure his continuing co-operation with the Minister of Aviation in the active propagation of a British space programme.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

None, Sir.

Sir J. Eden

In view of the vital interest of British industry playing as full a part as possible in space development, can my hon. Friend assure the House that no matter what may happen to the Minister of Aviation in the new organisation for defence he and his noble Friend will do their best to give positive support to a co-ordinated and purposeful British space programme?

Mr. Freeth

Always subject to my hon. Friend and I meaning the same thing by the words "space programme" I think he and I are in agreement on this

Mr. P. Williams

Will my hon. Friend make a clear and unmistakable assertion that it is the Minister of Aviation who has responsibility for the co-ordination of a British space programme and that this will in fact be an effective programme?

Mr. Freeth

My hon. Friend will have seen the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 13th December last year when he said that My right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation has a general responsibility for space technology."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th December, 1962; Vol. 669, c. 577.] My noble Friend has, of course, a general responsibility for co-ordination on the space research front.