§ 7. Mr. Martenasked the Postmaster-General what is the Government's policy towards a local and regional satellite communications system on a national and European basis.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Government's policy is based on the concept of a single global system of satellite communication embodied in the Interim Communications Satellite Agreements. All posibilities will, of course, be explored when these agreements are renegotiated, and that will be in 1970.
§ Mr. MartenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that unless Britain and Europe have their own independent satellites on a regional or national basis for the purposes of television and telecommunications and so on, Britain will not have the technological capacity to compete when it comes to renegotiating the COMSAT agreement in 1970? Will he look at this matter again and perhaps give the country a strong lead on this issue?
§ Mr. ShortWe have agreed to cooperate in a preliminary study and design project which is being initiated by C.E.T.S. and undertaken by E.S.R.O.
§ Mr. SpeakerQuestion No. 10. Mr. Winnick.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingOn a point of order. You have not called my Question No. 8, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt was answered with Question No. 1.
§ 13. Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Postmaster-General what action he is taking to ensure that British industry plays a part in the development of communications satellites and related space activities as recommended in the National Economic Development Council Report on the Electronics Industry.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Post Office is in continuous consultation with British industry about the development of satellite communications and the activities of the Interim Communications Satellite Committee.
Under Article X of the Agreement for the Interim Arrangements for a Global Commercial communications Satellite system, British industry has the opportunity to quote for studies and for the supply of material.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingWould the right hon. Gentleman press as hard as he can to see that we get a fair share of the international system, because there is a feeling that, in the past, although we have committed lots of funds to this system, we have not had our fair share of contracts. Is he aware that, unless we do get our fair share we cannot possibly play a part in the world satellite communications system for 1970?
§ Mr. ShortI think that the hon. Gentleman has a point here. We invest heavily 1336 in this programme. Intelsat places contracts with the Post Office and we let them out to industry. This year they amounted to £250,000, which I agree is below our annual investment. Nevertheless, it is a beginning.
§ Mr. BryanWith great respect, Mr. Speaker, may I ask whether or not there has been some mistake? Question No. 8 is about the Viewers and Listeners Council. We have not had any previous Question 'which could be faintly related to it.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I am not responsible for the grouping of the Answers. The facts are as I have stated.
§ Mr. MartenReverting to the earlier supplementary question, would the Minister agree that the only way in which we shall really get good contracts from Intelsat is if we have our own national satellite organisation?
§ Mr. ShortNo. We have gone into this with very great care and, as things are at present and as they will be for many years to come, in a small country like ours it is not an economic proposition.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.