§ 17. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the United States National Aeronautics and Space Agency.
§ Mr. OnslowMy hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping and I have had discussions recently with officials of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Agency. These were general discussions covering a range of matters including the post-Apollo programme and possible opportunities for British firms arising from it.
§ Mr. DalyellOn what date can NASA expect a "Yes" or "No" answer from the British Government about participation in the post-Apollo programme?
§ Mr. OnslowThe hon. Gentleman is mistaken in supposing that NASA wishes to set a deadline. There is no specific deadline. The United States authorities have indicated that they would still like British participation.
§ Mr. TebbitNow that we have proposed a European space authority to get these decisions more quickly, might it not be helpful if we also had a British space authority to get our decisions more quickly instead of fragmentation between half a dozen different departments?
§ Mr. OnslowI think it would be easier to concentrate on getting one space authority working at a time. We have taken the view that we should start with the European space authority.
§ Mr. BishopThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that concern has been expressed 25 about the Government merely having discussions with the United States on these matters and that the industry is concerned about the lack of policy decisions. We need decisions, because the options are running out on United Kingdom/United States participation.
§ Mr. OnslowI do not necessarily accept that. When I was in Washington I represented to NASA that it was important to allow foreign firms with a unique contribution to make to participate in the post-Apollo programme. This question is still being considered.
§ 22. Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had recently with European countries regarding post-Apollo collaboration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowAs the hon. Member is no doubt aware my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping attended the European Space Conference on 20th December 1972. The conference gave general approval for the sortie laboratory element of the post-Apollo programme to be carried out and managed within a common European framework. Each country was left free to decide whether it will participate and, if so, the size of its financial contribution.
§ Mr. BishopIs the Minister aware that there was a great deal of procrastination by the Government last year when decisions could have been taken and that the British aircraft industry, which can make a substantial contribution in this development, is awaiting a decision from the Government on this matter? If the Minister does not take the initiative in Europe, France or another country will do so, probably to our detriment.
§ Mr. OnslowI cannot accept what the hon. Gentleman says. It has been generally recognised that the agreement that was achieved at this conference on the possible formation of a European space agency and rationalisation of expenditure within Europe was an important step forward which could in the long term have considerable industrial benefits.
§ Mr. TebbitWill my hon. Friend say whether the Government will back British participation in this project, which is surely the nub of the hon. Gentleman's Question?
§ Mr. OnslowOur decision on this matter must depend on the outcome of discussions on the establishment of the agency and the extent to which arrangements can be made to rationalise European expenditure. These are matters which are to be considered by a working group which is due to report on 3rd March.
§ Mr. DalyellAt the conference, what time scale was proposed for the European space agency?
§ Mr. OnslowI do not think that any deadline was set, but naturally all concerned understand the need for pressing on.