HC Deb 18 July 1997 vol 298 cc372-3W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to maintain the ESA science programme as the basis for United Kingdom space science activities; and what plans she has for bilateral co-operation and missions. [9435]

Mr. Battle

The ESA science programme is the main plank of UK space science. UK space scientists also participate in bilateral or multilateral missions which supplement collaboration through ESA. These include Spectrum-X with the Russian Space Agency and opportunities are being sought to participate in missions led by Japan, NASA, Eire and France.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what preparation she is making for the ESA ministerial meeting in 1998; what plans she has for consultations with the space industry, commerce and academic similar to those which were undertaken before the last ESA ministerial meeting; and when she plans to start those consultations. [9456]

Mr. Battle

The European Space Agency will establish a working group in the autumn, on which the UK will be represented, to prepare for the planned Ministerial. I intend to keep in touch with this work and arrange timely consultation with the space sector on proposals as they take shape. Depending on progress, this could be in early 1998.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she plans to update the British Space Plan and publish it before the ESA Ministerial meeting next year. [9426]

Mr. Battle

The British National Space Centre is committed to an open planning process and will be preparing an updated Plan in consultation with the space sector. I would expect this to be completed before the planned ESA Ministerial.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what role the United Kingdom will play in the proposed ESA Mars Express mission; and what assessment she has made of the contribution of United Kingdom scientists to Mars science. [9436]

Mr. Battle

The precise nature of the Mars Express mission and the roles of ESA members states within it are still under discussion. UK space science generally is world-class, as shown by the success of British scientists in international competition. No specific assessment has been made of their contribution to Mars science but UK scientists have built instruments for the NASA Mars Global Surveyor, due to reach Mars in September, and have collaborated with NASA in the study of Martian materials transported to Earth in meteorites.