Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 December 2007. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 6 March 2008 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Near Earth Objects Task Force

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many of the recommendations of the Near Earth Objects Task Group’s report (a) have been implemented, (b) are in the process of being implemented, (c) have not been commenced and (d) will not be implemented; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The last update to the Government response to the task force recommendations was issued in January 2005. At that time, it was decided that many of the issues had moved on significantly from 2000 when the recommendations were made and that there was limited value in revisiting them in their original form. The UK Government remain committed however to their original policy, namely to address this global issue at an international level. The recent establishment of a working group on NEOs within the United Nations, chaired by the UK, and emerging opportunities such as ESA’s plan for a space situational awareness programme; encompassing NEOs, demonstrates that the UK remains effective in delivering on this commitment.

Secondary information