§ LORD DELACOURT-SMITHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what proposals they have for direct discussions with the United States authorities on future collaboration on space shuttle developments.]
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, the question does not at present arise as the United Kingdom is considering with its European partners the nature of the further discussions which will be held with the United States authorities.
§ LORD DELACOURT-SMITHMy Lords, I should he grateful if the noble Earl could assure us, in this connection, that the amount of money which has already been and is being invested in joint Anglo-American space work will be taken into account, with a view to seeing that there is no lack of Governmental interest in the subject which might tend to render the efforts already made less valuable than they would otherwise be.
EARL JELLICOEYes, my Lords, I think I can give the noble Lord that assurance. I can also inform him of something of which I am sure he is perfectly well aware: that direct discussions are being held on both sides of the Atlantic between British and American industrial concerns.