§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Jellicoe, I beg to ask the Question standing in his name on the Order Paper.
[The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will give an assurance that they have no intention of opting out of the ELDO (European Launcher Development Organisation) programme.]
§ THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (LORD SHACKLETON)My Lords, we are in the process of reviewing progress on the ELDO initial programme and the plans for possible further programmes. A conference at ministerial level is to be held as soon as practicable, at which decisions will be taken regarding the future of the Organisation. There are many considerations involved, and I cannot anticipate the decisions that we and our partners may reach.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, I am obliged to the noble Lord, Lord Shackleton, for that Answer. Could he tell us, since I understand there was a ministerial meeting proposed for March, whether that has been postponed?
§ LORD SHACKLETONYes, my Lords; that has been postponed.