HC Deb 04 July 1972 vol 840 cc235-6
Q1. Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination of all Departments in the study of Recommendation 663 of the Council of Europe, to define as a matter of priority the technological, scientific and political implications of a possible Europe participation in the post-Apollo programme; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

Yes, Sir. The implications of possible European participation are being discussed interdepartmentally and with representatives of British industry, as well as with our partners in the European Space Conference and, jointly with them, with the United States authorities.

Mr. Lloyd

Would my right hon. Friend agree that this is probably one of the most important decisions facing the Governments of Europe in this decade? Further, would my right hon. Friend agree that, on the balance of facts, there is at least a serious danger of our missing the post-Apollo bus altogether? If, because of the failure of the European institutions most involved, my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to take a giant step towards Europe, will he take a small step and ensure that if there is a failure to join it will not be attributed to a lack of energy, imagination or enthusiasm on the part of Her Majesty's Government?

The Prime Minister

In this country we have done an enormous amount of work on the possibilities of participation in the post-Apollo programme, but I must tell my hon. Friend that the situation has greaty changed since the Council of Europe passed its resolution. It has now been learnt from the American Government that there are very considerable limitations on what any European grouping can be asked to do in that project. What we could be asked to do in Europe as a whole is now limited to what one might describe as normal technology. We would not have any share in the advanced technology which might come from post-Apollo. It is therefore obviously necessary for the conference on 11th–12th July to consider what Europe would wish to do in these circumstances.

Mr. Dalyell

If we are not to have any share in the advanced technology, is that not the fault of the Government for dithering?

The Prime Minister

No, not in the least. European Governments have had their meetings about their attitude towards this matter. A project of this size demanding immense expenditure has rightly been thoroughly examined by the European Governments. If it is said that the option now is participating in the orbital system development and possibly some minor shuttle work or taking no part in the programme, Europe has to ask whether the expenditure of millions of pounds is worth while. We have not missed the boat. The American project has changed, and as the Americans now have grave doubts about carrying on with the tug project, there is a greater limitation on what Europe is being invited to do.