§ Q1. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if he will discuss European participation in the post-Apollo programme during his next meeting with Chancellor Brandt.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Anthony Barber)As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is in Northern Ireland, I have been asked to reply.
The question of participation is being discussed with our partners in the European Space Conference. My right hon. Friend has at present no plans for separate discussions about participation in the post-Apollo programme.
§ Mr. DalyellAs we were confidently told by the science correspondent of The Times that we would have a parliamentary statement on Monday, will the Chancellor tell us the nature of the hitch in the ministerial talks?
§ Mr. BarberI am replying on behalf of the Prime Minister, not the science correspondent of The Times, but, as was clear from the answer which my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace gave on Monday, this was only an interim discussion and substantive decisions were not taken. In those circumstances, it was wholly appropriate that a written Answer should be given.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-WilsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of us are very appreciative of the efforts being made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping to initiate an integrated European space programme and thus give some shape to the space effort of Western Europe?
§ Mr. BarberThis is obviously a most important aspect, and the fact is that final decisions on the post-Apollo programme cannot be taken before the current discussions with our European partners have been concluded. But participation will ultimately depend on the extent to which arrangements can be made to rationalise European space expenditure.
§ Mr. BennWhat would be the rough estimate of expenditure involved for Britain if we are to participate on the basis of the offer made by the United States within the context of a co-ordinated European response?
§ Mr. BarberI am afraid that at this stage I cannot give that information.