European Launcher Development Organisation

HC Deb 13 July 1970 vol 803 c1125

13. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about British participation in the European Launcher Development Organisation.

Mr. Rippon

European launcher development is one of the matters to be discussed at the forthcoming European Space Conference on which the Government are considering the line to be taken by the United Kingdom delegation.

Mr. Marten

Will the Minister bear in mind the need for either a European or a British national space launcher, so that we do not have to rely entirely, as did the previous Administration, upon American launchers?

Mr. Rippon

We shall have that factor in mind.