§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial assistance is being provided in support of change of use projects in the Ukraine to convert redundant missile facilities into satellite launch pads; if this funding provides for retraining local scientists to be able to undertake this work; and if he will identify the amounts of funding(a) arising from bilateral aid, (b) arising from EU aid and (c) co-ordinated by the EBRD. [44681]
§ Mr. FatchettThere are no existing sites in Ukraine suitable for launching satellites. However, we are aware that there have been proposals that Ukrainian ballistic missile manufacturing facilities inherited from the Soviet Union, which have been doing some missile work under contract from Russia, could build launch vehicles for satellites, making use of their considerable expertise in rocket propulsion. HMG have no plans to fund any retraining of local scientists for this purpose and are not aware of EU or EBRD involvement in the venture.