HC Deb 17 December 1970 vol 808 cc1553-4
20. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the annual expenditure incurred on scientific experiments in space and application through the Scientific Research Council, universities, and other institutions for which she is responsible, respectively, and in total; how much of this is spent through the National Aeronautics and Space Agency, European Space Research Organisation, and our own launching and monitoring facilities; and if she will make a statement about her future programme.

Mrs. Thatcher

The Science Research Council's expenditure on space science in 1970–71 is about £9 million. Of this, £5 million goes to the European Space Research Organisation and the balance provides for the preparation of experiments by the council and universities and for launching and monitoring facilities. The council does not contribute directly to the National Aeronautics and Space Agency's expenditure. Details of expenditure through the U.G.C. are not available.

The Science Research Council decides, subject to international commitments, the amount of its resources to be allocated to space research and the programme to be followed.

Mr. Osborn

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. This is a complicated matter, and no doubt she knows that it has been taken up by a Select Committee. Can she indicate what the forward programme is likely to be?

Mrs. Thatcher

Not at present. We shall, as my hon. Friend was assured last week, continue to make a contribution to E.S.R.O.

Mr. Edward Short

Can the right hon. Lady say what her policy is for the S.R.C.? Is it to continue in existence? Is it to continue under her Department? What is the policy of the Government on the structure?

Mrs. Thatcher

The structure of the Science Research Council remains for the time being as it was, and I hope that the council will remain with me.