HC Deb 29 January 1969 vol 776 c1310
13. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the latest launchings at Woomera.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The F7 launching of the Europa rocket, which took place on Saturday, 30th November, 1968, was the eighth development firing.

Blue Streak and the French second stage performed satisfactorily and the German third stage separated and ignited, but thrust deteriorated rapidly and did not last for more than seven seconds out of the intended 340 seconds. Because of this the Italian satellite did not go into orbit.

Mr. Dalyell

What are the future plans?

Mr. Mallalieu

The next firing is on 30th June of this year.

Mr. Marten

Is it not true that every Blue Streak firing has performed almost perfectly? That being so, what is the reason for the Government's confidence that the Americans will do all the launching of our satellites for us?

Mr. Mallalieu

It is a fact that Blue Streak has performed admirably in these tests. The second part of the question is quite a different one.