§ 20. Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy with regard to the inclusion of British experiments in the manned spacecraft of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
§ Mr. CroslandUnited Kingdom scientists are encouraged to propose experiments for inclusion in the United States programme within the limits of the funds made available for the space research programme. Only recently have the Americans extended their invitation to cover manned spacecraft, and British scientists are considering possible experiments. These will have to compete scientifically with those from other countries which wish to accept this generous offer by the United States authorities, and also with the United States experiments.
§ Mr. LloydIs the Minister aware that American scientific opinion has expressed surprise at the apparent lack of enthusiasm on the part of British science and British authorities to take part in the Gemini and Apollo projects? Will he do his best to encourage some participation, particularly in the medical and biological spheres, which might be valuable and not very expensive?
§ Mr. CroslandYes, Sir. I do not think that the surprise is well justified. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have co-operated on two satellites, Aeriel I and II, which have carried U.K. instruments, and a third satellite, U.K.III, is being built in this country and will be launched by a N.A.S.A. vehicle. I am aware of proposals for experiments with Gemini and Apollo, and these are being examined by the Research Council.
§ Mr. David PriceDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that Aeriel I and II have shown the Americans what a great contribution our scientists can make and, at the industrial level, what extremely good relations exist between B.A.C. and the Hughes Corporation? Does he further agree that the real problem is the problem of every Government, of getting enough money to spend on space?
§ Mr. CroslandYes, to all those points.