§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD DELACOURT-SMITHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been done since the abortive conference of Ministers in Brussels on November 4 to ensure effective participation by the United Kingdom in the negotiations between European Governments and NASA on collaboration on the post-Apollo space programme.]
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, the United Kingdom took part in the meeting of member States of the European Space Conference held in Brussels on November 20 to consider further points to be examined with the American authorities in relation to possible participation in the post-Apollo programme.
§ LORD DELACOURT-SMITHMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that reply. Is he aware that there is an impression that the earlier conference—the conference of November 4—might have proved more successful if there had been greater preparation given to it? Further, can he give an assurance that discussions on this subject will continue as appropriate at an official level, until the time appears appropriate for a further ministerial gathering?
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, there may have been reports to the effect that there was inadequate preparation, but of course after the first stage of the ministerial conference in Brussels in July there was the mission led by M. Lefevre, of which my noble friend Lord Bessborough was a member, and a good deal of inter-Governmental discussion before the second stage in Brussels in early November. I can of course give the noble Lord the assurance that discussions between officials are continuing.