§ 3. Mr. Loveridgeasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is satisfied that the United Kingdom's share in satellite communications is adequate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir J. EdenYes. The Post Office is the second largest investor in Intelsat and its present share of 7.23 per cent. will go up to about 10 per cent. when the definitive Intelsat agreements come into force early next year.
§ Mr. LoveridgeI am glad to hear my right hon. Friend say that his Department is so far-sighted in this matter of 593 space utilisation. Does he recognise that in the long-term future his Department might benefit much from Britain taking part in the post-Apollo programme? Will he therefore encourage his colleagues in the Government not to let Britain miss out on a valuable chance?
§ Sir J. EdenThe post-Apollo programme is very much a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
§ Mr. DalyellHas the Post Office put forward a view on the implications to itself of post-Apollo?
§ Sir J. EdenThe Post Office is very interested in any development and any programme that will improve and assist in increasing the efficiency of telecommunications.