§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will convene a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the European Space Agency.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallIn accordance with the convention which established the European Space Agency, the prerogative to convene the next ministerial meeting of the agency rests with the Italian Government, who held the chair at the last such meeting.
§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the current United Kingdom contribution to the European Space Agency; and what contributions are made by France, West Germany and Italy.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallThe European Space Agency budget for 1981 requires total contributions of 509.654 million accounting units—£310.3 million—of which the United Kingdom will contribute 16.7 per cent.—£51.8 million—France 28.8 per cent, West Germany 25.9 per cent. and Italy 11.7 per cent.