European Space Agency (Hansard, 27 March 1990)

HC Deb 27 March 1990 vol 170 c126W 126W

§ Mr. Michael Marshall
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what stance the Government are adopting towards the new telecommunications programme of the European Space Agency.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
The United Kingdom informed the council of the ESA on 21 March that it would be participating in the agency's proposed satellite communications programme. This would involve a commitment of £32 million over the coming years. Some of the other member states of ESA have still to announce their level of participation. But the programme is expected to commence shortly.