Q2. Mr. Bob Brownasked the Prime Minister whether he will seek to arrange an international conference on journeys by men into outer space in order to produce safeguards against the possibility of further disasters in space programmes, and to avoid the economic resources of a planet, with much of its population existing at starvation level or worse, being 250 wastefully expended by competition rather than co-operation in the field of space research.
§ Mr. George BrownI have been asked to reply. No, Sir. Whilst sharing my hon. Friend's concern. I believe that this is a matter which can only be dealt with by the two countries who have a manned space programme.
Mr. Bob BrownWould my right hon. Friend not agree that it would be a service to humanity if he could convince the Governments of the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A. of the need for co-operation in space research? Can he indicate precisely how much money is being expended in the world on this matter?
§ Mr. George BrownI do not think that I have the answer to the last part of that Question. As to the first part of it, I agree with the spirit of what my hon. Friend is saying, but one of the problems is the lack of enthusiasm between the countries concerned. One of the sad features of this is that, when the Americans suggested that some of their astronauts should attend the funeral of Komarov, the Russian who died, the suggestion was rejected by the Soviets.