HC Deb 14 April 1964 vol 693 cc53-4W
Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General if he will list the various organisations concerned with space research and the development of satellite communications of which the United Kingdom is a member to what extent Her Majesty's Government have invested money in each of them to date; what is the British annual financial commitment; and what part the Post Office is playing in these developments.

Mr. Bevins

As regards space research, the United Kingdom is a member of the European Space Research Organisation (E.S.R.O.) and the European Launcher Development Organisation (E.L.D.O.) Questions relating to these Organisations are, of course, primarily for my right hon. Friends the Secretary, of State for Education and Science and the Minister of Aviation respectively.

The Post Office is continuing its work on the development of satellite earth stations and on the communications aspects of satellite communications systems as a whole. Together with the other interested Departments it is playing a full part in the work of the European Conference on Satellite Communications and in other international discussions on satellite communications.

Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General what consultations he has now had with representatives of British industry who would be involved in the development of satellite communications; and to what extent such representatives have been brought in for consultations and advice on British commitments in the European Space Research Organisation, the European Launcher Development Organisation and in relation to discussions with the American Satellite Communications Corporation.

Mr. Bevins

Last November my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation and I had an exchange of view with representatives of the British industry on policy in regard to the development of satellite communications. There has been some exchange of correspondence since, and I hope that a further meeting will be held fairly soon.

Questions relating to the European Space Research Organisation and the European Launcher Development Organisation are, of course, primarily for my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Education and Science and the Minister of Aviation.