HC Deb 21 January 1988 vol 125 cc769-70W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give a regional breakdown of the expenditure on United Kingdom space research during the last year for which full figures are available.

Mr. Butcher

[holding answer 20 January 1988]: These figures are not held centrally and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on United Kingdom participation in the ERS-2 satellite and Columbus programmes.

Mr. Butcher

[holding answer 20 January 1988]: My right hon. and learned Friend is currently discussing with industry the scope for greater private sector involvement in the planning and financing of future space activities. We will take account of these discussions in assessing proposals for United Kingdom participation in the ERS2 and Columbus programmes alongside other priorities.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total value to the United Kingdom of exports of space technology and engineering in 1986–87.

Mr. Butcher

[holding answer 20 January 1988]: The information is not available.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what funds will be made available to the British National Space Centre for 1988–89 by his Department; what funds were made available for 1987–88; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979–80 both outturn and 1987 prices.

Mr. Butcher

[holding answer 20 January 1988]: The following table shows DTI expenditure on space, which since October 1985 has been administered by the British National Space Centre, from 1979–80 to 1986–87, and the provisions for 1987–88 and 1988–89. The amounts are shown in cash and in 1986–87 prices using the general gdp deflator.

DTI Space Expenditure 1979–80 to 1988–89
Outturn/provision 1986–87 prices
1979–80 37.1 61.8
1980–81 44.1 61.9
1981–82 58.7 75.1
1982–83 61.5 73.4
1983–84 59.9 68.3
1984–85 64.1 70.0
1985–86 74.4 76.6
1986–87 72.2 72.2
1987–88 71.7 68.8
1988–89 72.3 66.4