§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology (1) if he will make a statement on the Governmental conference on European Space Research Organisation of 18th and 19th November;
20W(2) what proposals he has for participation in the launching of a satellite by the European Broadcasting Union in 1974;
(3) what plans he has for a space relay station.
§ Mr. CarmichaelFollowing industrial studies of a European television relay satellite, it has become necessary to reexamine the requirement of the European Broadcasting Union, taking into account also the interests of the European postal and telecommunications administrations. The Committee of Senior Officials of the European Space Conference accordingly agreed unanimously on 10th November, 1969, to set up a Working Group, including representatives of the European Broadcasting Union and the European Conference on Posts and Telecommunications, charged with optimising a requirement for a European telecommunications satellite which would have the best prospect of economic viability and at the same time be of the greatest benefit to European space technology. An initial report is expected early next year. The Governmental Conference planned for 18th-19th November was, in the circumstances, cancelled. The United Kingdom has already indicated its willingness to participate in the development of a European television relay satellite to meet the requirements of the European Broadcasting Union.