§ 40. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology what response he has made to the official offer by Dr. Thomas Paine of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Agency for British participation in the post-Apollo programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponThe N.A.S.A. approach was primarily to the European Space countries as a whole. It is therefore right for the response to be from these countries collectively. This will be an important subject for discussion by the European Space Conference.
§ Mr. DalyellMay we have an assurance that there will not be attempted any unilateral British-American negotiation but that it will be on a collective European basis?
§ Mr. RipponYes, Sir. Our officials are collaborating closely with the European Space Organisations.