HC Deb 26 November 1987 vol 123 cc255-6W
Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what projects projected for the future by the European space centre Her Majesty's Government

Agency for the total of its future activities; and what has been the amount and proportion paid by Her Majesty's Government in each of the last four years;

(2) what information he has as to the proportion of the total cost of the future activities of the European Space Agency to be met by Her Majesty's Government in future, and as to the amount and the proportion of the total European Space Agency expenditure paid by Her Majesty's Government in 1986.

Mr. Butcher

The United Kingdom's contributions to the European Space Agency from 1983–1986 have been as follows:

consider British industry should co-operate with and help finance, either individually or in alliance with other British or foreign organisations.

Mr. Butcher

Arrangements will be made soon for Government and industry to take a fresh look at United Kingdom civil space activities, both nationally and in ESA. If well-judged projects of proven commercial, industrial and scientific value are put forward, we will consider them alongside other scientific and commercial opportunities.

We will be looking to the private sector to play an increasingly important part in the direction and funding of future programmes.