HC Deb 20 November 1997 vol 301 cc287-8W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the progress on discussions with the United Kingdom space industries and users in preparation for the ESA Ministerial Meeting in July 1998.[16214]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 17 November 1997]The European Space Agency has just initiated preparations for its next Ministerial meeting, at present planned for 23–24 June 1998. BNSC is already discussing the issues with partner departments, industry and other users. We plan to develop the UK position on a basis of wide consultation.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will publish an update of the United Kingdom space plan before the ESA Ministerial Council in July 1998.[16215]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 17 November 1997]The British National Space Centre is preparing the draft of a new UK Space Plan. I expect to bring this forward for discussion in the New Year. We shall reflect the results of discussion in both the finalised Plan and in our preparations for the ESA Ministerial Council.