§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether either the United Kingdom itself or Eurospace intend to take part in the development of a space station with the United States if there is a United States military participation or requirement associated with it.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)The present expectation is that the space station will be primarily a civil space facility dedicated mainly to research and development. The precise arrangements for co-operation are presently being discussed between the member countries of the European Space Agency, the United States, Canada and Japan, who are also involved. I do not think it would be helpful if I were to make any hypothetical comments at this stage.