HC Deb 05 March 1998 vol 307 cc1181-2
4. Mr. McWilliam

If she will make a statement on the role of the United Kingdom in the development of the space exploration programme. [31129]

The Minister for Science, Energy and Industry (Mr. John Battle)

The United Kingdom has a substantial and highly respected space science community, which is actively involved in defining the priorities for the European Space Agency's exploration programme. British scientists are involved in a wide range of current and future missions, including satellites to study the sun, Mars and Saturn and its moon Titan, as well as observatories trained on other galaxies.

Mr. McWilliam

Will my hon. Friend the Minister join me in congratulating British-born space scientist Michael Foale on his achievements on the United States Mir missions? Does he agree that Mr. Foale is an excellent role model in encouraging young people to study science?

Mr. Battle

Yes. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Foale when he came back to earth on 18 December. He provides a role model that attracts youngsters to become interested in space research. May I congratulate my hon. Friend, who for some time has chaired the parliamentary all-party space committee and championed those matters in the House? I hope that he will long continue to do so.

Mr. Wilkinson

Can the Minister assure us that the United Kingdom will continue to channel a large proportion of its space effort through the European Space Agency, which has proved an exceedingly cost-effective vehicle for space science and exploitation, rather than through the Commission of the European Union, which is an infinitely more bureaucratic organisation that does not have the scientific or technological expertise for the job?

Mr. Battle

I did not envisage that this question would be so controversial. The United Kingdom has a substantial space programme, on which we spend some £45 million. Of that, some £33 million is spent through the European Space Agency, in which we play an active part. British space scientists are actively involved in the Mars and lunar working groups, and we shall watch with interest when, later today, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration makes its announcement about the possible presence of water on the moon. We are—and shall continue to be—involved in those international programmes.