§ 16. Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies he is making for a British scientific satellite as a successor to the proposed U.K.3.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThe opportunities for United Kingdom scientists to fly experiments in E.S.R.O. and N.A.S.A. satellites are likely to absorb the funds available for space research in the near future. This does not, however, exclude the possibility of a successor to U.K.3 at a later date.
§ Mr. LloydHaving regard to the time scale in the planning and preparation of these experiments, should we not now be carefully studying a successor to this satellite which is due to be launched next year?
§ Mr. RobertsAs the right hon. Gentleman said, we expect that this third in the Ariel series may be launched early next year, but this is a matter which must be decided in relation to the general scientific research programme and on the very best advice. My right hon. Friend is, of course, advised on this as on cognate matters by the Science Research Council and the Council for Scientific Policy.