§ 20. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the British Aircraft Corporation on the subject of British participation in the post-Apollo programme.
§ Mr. OnslowThe Department is in close touch with the United Kingdom space industry, including the British Aircraft Corporation, on the subject of participation in the post-Apollo programme. The views expressed to us by industry are fully taken into account during discussions with our European partners on the merits of participation.
§ Mr. DalyellIn the light of the most recent discussions with the British Aircraft Corporation, would the Department care to modify in any way the advice it gave to the Prime Minister in answering a Question from me that perhaps high technology was not involved in what is now offered by the Americans?
§ Mr. OnslowI think that advice was correct.
§ Mr. DalyellNo, it was not.
§ Mr. OnslowThe hon. Gentleman disagrees with me but I adhere to the view that the advice given was correct and that the differences in technology undoubtedly placed the original work in which we might have had a chance of participating very much higher than that which has been left by the latest American decision.
§ Mr. WilkinsonDoes my hon. Friend agree that the success of North American Rothwell in obtaining a contract for the Orbiter vehicle puts BAC of all the European manufacturers in a supreme position to get an advantageous contract, if only the Government will go ahead?
§ Mr. OnslowI see that the hon. Gentleman has on the Order Paper a later Question on this subject.