HC Deb 23 March 1970 vol 798 c960
21. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Technology what discussions he has had with the Japanese about space launchers.

Mr. Carmichael

None, Sir.

Mr. Marten

Can the Minister say why the Japanese can have a national space launcher programme while the British Government choose to rely entirely upon American space launchers? As we have the capability to carry out this observation, is not this policy painfully short-sighted?

Mr. Carmichael

Some misleading articles have appeared on this question. The Japanese Lambda launcher launched a satellite with a payload of 26 kilograms, whereas our Black Arrow is capable of launching a satellite with a payload of 100 kilograms. A strict comparison of the two cannot be anything but misleading.

Mr. Lubbock

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the Conservative Party about the additional expenditure it intends to allocate to space research if it gets into office?

Mr. Carmichael

There is a Question down concerning the cost of the British space programme, and if it is reached it will be interesting to obtain information from hon. Members opposite as to the cost of their programme.