§ Sir Michael MarshallTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made with the proposal made at the United Kingdom space policy seminar at Surrey university in September for publication of a space policy document. [4802]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorYesterday I issued a discussion document on United Kingdom space policy and I am inviting comments.
The documents examines UK strengths and opportunities in space science, telecommunications, earth observation and launchers. It looks at projects in the European Space Agency and other international organisations. My aim is to bring together the results of this consultation exercise, with more detailed work being carried out at the British national space centre in discussion with industry and the academic world, in the form of a forward plan for UK involvement in space activities by next summer.
Copies of the discussion document are being placed in the Library of the House and I am sending a copy to each participant at the Surrey seminar.