§ 28. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the delay in launching U.K.3 satellite.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsScheduling difficulties at the Western Test Range, California, have delayed this, and other launchings.
§ Mr. MartenThe question was why? In view of the excellence of this British satellite and of the team which went out to launch it, will the Government use every pressure on the American Administration not to have any further delay after May in the launching?
§ Mr. RobertsI warmly welcome the remarks of the hon. Gentleman about the excellence of this project. It is the first to be entirely built and instrumented in this country, and co-operation with our friends in the United States has been close and advantageous to this country. The Science Research Council, which initiated this project through its special unit, is continuously in touch with the American authorities to ensure that the project goes forward with the minimum delay.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeIs it not a fact that it should have been launched by the end of March, and would the hon. Gentleman say what steps the Government have taken to put pressure on the United States to allow the launching to proceed as soon as possible?
§ Mr. RobertsWith all respect, it is not a matter of pressure. Our American partners are most responsive to our needs in the matter. The original launching, as the hon. Gentleman said, was scheduled for 22nd March. As we are now advised, it will take place in May, and the delay will have no repercussions upon the value of the project itself.