Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 June 2011. It was answered by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 June 2011 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

National Physical Laboratory

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what targets he has set for the outcome of the funding of the National Physical Laboratory's space measurements programme.

Answer: The Department does not have a space measurements programme with the National Physical Laboratory.There are however some projects within the portfolio of National Measurement System (NMS) programmes, managed by the National Measurement Office, which include aspects in support of space science and technology. In particular these involve the provision of optical measurement standards to underpin earth observation and measurements of the sun, and time measurement, providing standards to underpin current and future global navigation satellite systems. This NMS capability is enabling National Physical Laboratory to contribute to international research collaborations and undertake specific support contracts for European Space Agency and companies in the space industry.

Secondary information