§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to make a statement about the future of Spadeadam, Cumberland; to what extent Her Majesty's Government is involved now financially; what contributions are being received from other countries to this project; and what are the long-term plans for Spadeadam.
§ Mr. David PriceWork at Spadeadam on the Blue Streak launch vehicle in support of the European Launcher Oevelopment Organisation's activities is expected to continue until 1974, but this depends on final decisions still to be taken by the Member States. Her Majesty's Government is now involved financially in this work only to a minor extent in respect of certain rates and tax remissions which the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities of E.L.D.O. requires us to bear; otherwise the costs, amounting in the present financial year to about£850,000, are borne by E.L.D.O. from contributions 97W made by other member States of the Organisation. Consideration is now being given to moving static facilities at present located at the Proof and Experimental Establishment at Shoeburyness to Spadeadam. These facilities would provide a long term use for the site, but the details have yet to be worked out.