§ Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science (1) whether any of the councils for which he is responsible have considered the advantage of providing in the southern hemisphere a large telescope similar to Isaac Newton's, in view of the suitable climatic conditions within the Commonwealth in the southern hemisphere;
(2) what discussions have taken place with Commonwealth and Colonial Governments about the need for providing a large telescope in the southern hemisphere.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe Advisory Council on Scientific Policy pointed out in its Report of 1959–60 that the needs of British optical astronomy required access to a large telescope of about 120 inches in diameter in the Southern Hemisphere. Various schemes involving international co-operation have been studied by the Departments concerned and there has been consultation with other countries, both within and outside the Commonwealth, which might be interested in participating in a joint project. Examination of possible schemes is continuing but no decision has yet been reached.