§ Q9. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister when he last discussed the European Launcher Development Organisation and the use of Woomera with the Australian Prime Minister.
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman means oral discussions, Mr. Holt has not, of course, been to London as Prime Minister, and there was no need to discuss these questions on Sir Robert Menzies' last visit. I am, of course, in touch with the Prime Minister of Australia in other ways.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs not the use of Woomera by E.L.D.O. an excellent example of the Europe/Commonwealth co-operation which we all desire? Was the right hon. Gentleman in full consultation with the Australian Prime Minister throughout the recent stop-go over E.L.D.O., and is he also in touch with him over the possible use of a launching site at Darwin, as well as of Woomera?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The Woomera range has represented a useful European/ Commonwealth link-up in this way. We have been in continuous touch with the Australian Government during the past few months while we have been trying to deal with the problem of the escalation of costs in E.L.D.O. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there are very strong pressures within E.L.D.O. for using another testing range which is not in Australia.