HC Deb 28 October 1965 vol 718 cc329-30
15. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made by the European Space Research Organisation; what percentage of contracts so far let by the Organisation has gone to British contractors; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

E.S.R.O. came into being in March, 1964, and has made considerable progress in recruiting staff and in creating its establishments. It has already launched eight sounding rockets, Skylarks and Centaures, and will launch several times that number in the next 12 months. Contracts for its first two satellites have been placed. These are scheduled for launching in 1967. Contracts for four more satellites are likely to be let by next summer.

At a recent check of major contracts the United Kingdom had secured some 20 per cent. by value. These include the main contract for one of the first two satellites. Several additional contracts have since come to the United Kingdom but there are more to be won and, therefore, further opportunities for British companies.

Mr. Lloyd

In view of the probably widespread importance of these experiments to British industry in future, would the right hon. Gentleman arrange for as much publicity as possible to be given to these experiments?

Mr. Crosland

Yes, Sir. This is being discussed inter-departmentally now.