§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the United Kingdom Government will participate in the forthcoming European Space Agency Future Launcher Programme. [55384]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 28 October 1998]: The United Kingdom's participation in the European Space Agency's Future Launcher Technologies Programme will be considered when the likely benefits and costs to the United Kingdom have been assessed by the British National Space Centre with the help of the United Kingdom space industry.
§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the capacity of British industry to contribute to the European Space Agency Future Launcher Programme. [55385]
§ Mr. BattleThe British National Space Centre has asked the United Kingdom space industry for its views on the European Space Agency's proposed Future Launcher Technologies Programme and will assess the capacity of British industry to contribute to the programme in light of the industry's response.