BRITISH SPACE AUTHORITY

HC Deb 03 February 1966 vol 723 cc1284-5

Q4. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a British Space Authority to co-ordinate the British national space programme.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Marten

Is the Prime Minister aware that British space activities are lagging behind those of some of the other European countries? Does he not think that to set up a space authority on the lines of the American space authority would lead to more efficiency and co-ordnation in this important sphere.

The Prime Minister

This is a very complicated set of programmes, and there are a number of different departments concerned. I have been into it closely, and I think that the arrangements made by the previous Government for departmental responsibilities were right and wise, and we have followed them. I would change them if I thought that it was necessary.

As regards our space activities, I do not agree that they are lagging behind other European countries. I can certainly tell the hon. Gentleman that costs are not lagging.