§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General to what extent his Department is working on detailed design studies for communications satellites; what other Departments are giving assistance; and what progress has so far been made.
§ Mr. BevinsMy Department is working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Aviation in the design study of a British communications satellite announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation in the debate on 29th March last. My Department is placing study contracts for certain elements of the telecommunications equipment in such a satellite with British industry with which close contact has been maintained throughout the study.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General what part his Department will be playing by 1970 in the development of a world-wide system of satellite communications.
§ Mr. BevinsIt is yet too early to say. The Post Office, with the other Departments concerned, is taking a full part in the series of international discussions, now in progress regarding the development of satellite communications systems.