HC Deb 10 April 1972 vol 834 cc842-3
33. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now announce the Government's decision on United Kingdom participation in the United States of America post-Apollo space programme; and if he will make a statement.

34. Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he now has for United Kingdom participation in Space Shuttle; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace gave on 7th February, last, in reply to a similar Question from the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Palmer) when he indicated that we are considering the American proposals with our European partners.—[Vol. 830, c. 243.]

Mr. Millan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable uncertainty in industry, in this House and elsewhere about the Government's space policy and, indeed, about whether the Government have an overall space policy at all? Is it not important to have a decision soon about this, at the same time a statement of the reasons for the Government's decision, whatever it may be, and also a statement of their general attitude towards overall space policy?

Mr. Grant

With respect, it is also important that there should be extremely careful consideration before a decision is made.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind particularly the appendix prepared by my hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Tebbit) and myself to the recent Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology on this aspect of space policy? Will he also bear in mind that already many British firms are taking important initiatives which are leading to their getting substantial sub-contracts?

Mr. Grant

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says, and I agree with him about the views of industry. What he said will be carefully considered by my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace.

Mr. Dalyell

Why do not the Government have a full and frank round-table conference with B.A.C., Hawker-Siddeley and others involved, who are so dissatisfied?

Mr. Grant

I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is the closest possible consultation with the industries concerned.

Mr. Dalyell

There is not.