§ LORD FLECKasked Her Majesty's Government:
What changes have been made in the arrangements for administering the scientific space research programme.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMA Space Research Management Group was set up under the Office of the Minister for Science with effect from 1st May, 1962. It has assumed the responsibilities for management of the programme of experiments in rockets and satellites, previously discharged, underad hoc arrangements, by two scientists and one engineer on loan to the Royal Society from the public service. The new Group will comprise these three officers, five additional officers, and supporting staff.
This is again an ad hoc arrangement pending the outcome of the currant inquiry into Government civil scientific organisation. It has been introduced in agreement with the Royal Society.
The British National Committee on Space Research, set up by the Royal Society, will continue to advise on the scientific content of the programme and the Steering Group on Space Research will continue to advise me on policy matters in its field.