§ 20. Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has any plans to meet representatives of the aerospace industry to discuss the development of a new British launcher rocket.
§ Mr. NewtonNo, Sir, and no such meeting has been requested.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIs my right hon. Friend aware of the advance technology engine work that the Royal Ordnance rocket division of British Aerospace has recently completed for the European Space Agency? Is he also aware that it is in a very strong position to obtain that contract, but for a lack of funding, and can he say whether that funding will be forthcoming?
§ Mr. NewtonI cannot give an answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, but I shall look at what he has said in the light of his obvious keen interest in the matter.