Space Vehicles and Shuttles

HC Deb 18 November 1970 vol 806 c1220

23. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply what Government funding has been provided for design studies into lifting bodies and re-usable space vehicles and shuttles in the past six years.

Mr. Corfield

About £200,000.

Mr. Wilkinson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the advanced project team of B.A.C. Warton patented its MUSTARD project as far back as 1964, and now that American Rockwell is entering into collaboration with B.A.C. on such projects, a valuable lead and the great potential for the 1980s and beyond could be lost?

Mr. Corfield

I am not sure whether that has any direct connection with the Question asked by my hon. Friend. I am aware of the fact, and further contracts are being negotiated both with B.A.C. and Hawker-Siddeley in relation to the £200,000 we have contributed to the European space effort.