HC Deb 10 May 2004 vol 421 cc84-5W
James Purnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government support is available for research into manned space travel. [170454]

Ms Hewitt

In December 2003 the Government published its Space Strategy, which targets investment at those projects that offer the best commercial opportunities, scientific knowledge and environmental information, rather than national prestige. As we do not believe that human spaceflight programmes fall within these targets, we are focusing on the robotic exploration of the solar system. For example we are currently examining the scientific and industrial benefits of participation in the European Space Agency's Aurora programme.