§ Lord WINDLESHAMasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Kingdom intends to continue to support the L-Sat programme of the European Space Agency in the light of the withdrawal by France and West Germany, and if so what proportion of the total cost will be incurred by the United Kingdom.
§ Viscount TRENCHARDThe United Kingdom is currently supporting the definition stage of the L-SAT programme of the European Space Agency and will bear about 35 per cent. of the cost. From the outset France and West Germany have indicated a lack of interest in this programme and are developing their own broadcast satellite. The estimated cost of the whole programme will become known at the end of 1980. The United Kingdom will then consider its further participation in the light of all relevant factors. We would negotiate our share of the total cost with our partners.