HL Deb 15 July 1999 vol 604 cc69-70WA
Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there will be more than one level of precision available for the Galileo global positioning system. [HL3593]

Lord Whitty

The European Commission's communicationGalileo—involving Europe in a new generation of satellite navigation services envisages three levels of service but no final decision has been taken on this proposal. The number of levels of service which could be provided for Galileo will be determined during the definition phase of the project, which has recently started.

Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the basic level of precision for the Galileo global positioning system will be freely available, as is currently the case with the United Stales global positioning system. [HL3594]

Lord Whitty

The European Commission's communicationGalileo—involving Europe in a new generation of satellite navigation services envisages that the basic level of service would be freely available. However, no final decision has been taken on this proposal. Work during the definition phase will help determine how the system might be funded and its costs recovered.

Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the basic level of precision for the Galileo global positioning system will be of use as part of the guidance system of a missile. [HL3595]

Lord Whitty

The security aspects of the basic level of precision for the Galileo global positioning system are yet to be determined.

Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements are envisaged for the Galileo global positioning system so that appropriate and immediate action can be taken in the event of a hostile missile or unmanned aircraft attack being detected. [HL3596]

Lord Whitty

Work during the definition phase of Galileo will clarify and help to establish the exact details of the control, management and operation of any system. This work will also clarify what type of security controls might need to be incorporated into the system.