Written question asked by John McWilliam (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 November 2001. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 26 November 2001 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, what assessment her Department has made of the economic importance of the UK space technology sector in terms of (a) the extent to which it can help the UK's manufacturing industry develop export markets, (b) the extent to which it can help the United Kingdom manufacturing industry create jobs and (c) the impact of her Department's assessment on the United Kingdom's decision to provide funds to support the Galileo project; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. McWilliam: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the economic importance of the UK space technology sector in terms of (a) the extent to which it can help the UK's manufacturing industry develop export markets, (b) the extent to which it can help the United Kingdom manufacturing industry create jobs and (c) the impact of her Department's assessment on the United Kingdom's decision to provide funds to support the Galileo project; and if she will make a statement. [R] [17805] Ms Hewitt: The United Kingdom's space technology is world class in a number of areas including telecommunications payloads, small satellites and synthetic aperture radar. About two thirds of UK space industry turnover results from export business. Latest published figures show that approximately 6,000 people are employed directly in space activities, without taking into account employment in those sectors which are reliant on satellite based services. The size and health of the UK space industry is currently being surveyed by the British National Space Centre and the results should be published early in 2002. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions is the lead department on Galileo. My Department has been working closely with them, and others in Whitehall, to develop the United Kingdom's position on Galileo.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 375 c684W;375 c685W; 17805
Session: 2001-02
Registered interest declared: Yes
Subjects: Exports Job creation Manufacturing industries Markets Space technology Galileo system
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk