Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 March 2000. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on when he expects the next British astronaut to take part in a space mission.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on when he expects the next British astronaut to take part in a space mission. [115192] Ms Hewitt: Following wide consultation with industry and the science sector, the Government concluded that the provision of an astronaut did not best meet our space priorities of commercial exploitation and good space science. Within the inevitably limited funds we have available, we must prioritise in the best interests of the British space science community and industry. A British astronaut is not therefore anticipated in the near future. It is still possible, however, for British nationals to apply for overseas astronaut training schemes.

Secondary information