HC Deb 31 January 2000 vol 343 c417W
Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the objectives of the Asteroid Task Force are; and when it plans to(a) make its first report and (b) complete its work. [107482]

Ms Hewitt

The objectives of the Near Earth Objects Task Force are to:

  1. 1. confirm the nature of the hazard and the potential level of risk;
  2. 2. identify the current UK contribution to the international efforts;
  3. 3. advise HMG on what further action to take in the light of 1 and 2 and on the communication issues to the public.

I expect to receive the report of the Task Force this summer.

Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the estimated annual running cost of the Asteroid Task Force. [107485]

Ms Hewitt

No on-going annual cost for the Near Earth Objects Task Force is envisaged. We expect to receive the Task Force's report this summer.