HC Deb 13 February 1995 vol 254 cc487-8W
37. Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Department of Trade and Industry on funding of space science.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

I met my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for space last November, to discuss the funding of space science and our two Departments continue to work closely together.

There is continual contact between the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, my Department and the British National Space Centre at an official level, through which we are currently looking in detail at the cost-effectiveness of the UK's participation in the European Space Agency's science programme.

I recognise fully that our space scientists have an excellent reputation and we will continue to support our best space science research.