HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 cc51-2W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions he has had with the European countries on post-Apollo and space matters since 31st July; and if he will make a statement;

(2) when he last met representatives of the European Space Conference; what discussion he had on space affairs and particularly research; whether he discussed the problems of establishing a unified space agency; if he discussed participation in the United States post-Apollo programme and the future of ELDO; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

The European Space Conference last met on 31st July when it was agreed in principle to take the following steps:

  1. (1) the establishment of a European Space Agency replacing both ELDO and ESRO;
  2. (2) development of Spacelab within the US post-Apollo programme;
  3. (3) development of the L3S launcher;
  4. (4) development of a maritime communications satellite.

There have been no subsequent ministerial discussions but officials have since established the details of this package on which there is now full agreement.