HC Deb 21 June 1996 vol 279 cc637-8W
Sir Michael Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has made of the potential benefits for the United Kingdom in the transition to the future global navigation satellite system. [33257]

Mr. Norris

The Department of Transport has not carried out any studies of the potential benefits to the UK in the transition to the future global navigation satellite system. However, officials from the Department and the Civil Aviation Authority are participating in various European and international forums, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Eurocontrol, the European Space Agency, the International Maritime Organisation and the European Union. One of the main issues currently being examined in these forums is the benefits of future GNSS.

Sir Michael Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate the levels of his Department's funding allocated in current and future years to support United Kingdom participation in the European Space Agency satellite navigation development programme. [33256]

Mr. Norris

My Department has allocated £1.043 million per year for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 for satellite navigation development work. The proportion of this to be allocated to UK participation in the European Space Agency's satellite navigation development programme has yet to be decided.