HC Deb 05 February 1974 vol 868 cc1018-9
4. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reasons why Skynet II failed to go into launch at Cape Canaveral on 19th January; and when it is hoped that the twin satellite will be put into operation, to provide a British communications system.

The Minister of State for Defence (Mr. George Younger)

The failure was caused by a malfunction of the second stage of the launching rocket. The British Skynet II satellite functioned correctly before destruction on re-entry, and it is planned to launch the second Skynet in the autumn.

Mr. Dalyell

What is the cost, across the exchanges, of this failure? Is it an enormous extra cost?

Mr. Younger

As the hon. Member will know, it is not generally our policy to give details of individual defence projects. However, the total cost of the British Skynet II system, including the second satellite, both launching rockets, modifications to existing ground stations and backup services, is of the order of £20 million. The cost of manufacture of a single satellite may be said to be about £4 million.

Mr. John

Since I understand that an inquiry is now going on at Cape Canaveral about the failure of the American rocket, may I ask for an assurance that the report, when published, will be available to this House?

Mr. Younger

I note what the hon. Member says. He will be pleased to know that British representatives are participating actively in the inquiry being carried out by NASA into the occurrence which took place in January. I cannot give an undertaking about the presentation of the report to the House but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that once we have the report its contents will be made known.