Written question asked by David Leslie Taylor (Labour) on Thursday, 15 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 February 2001. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 26 February 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, when he will respond to the report of the Near Earth Objects Task Force headed by Dr Harry Atkinson. - Inc ref to Government's response in Libraries.

Answer: Mr. David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will respond to the report of the Near Earth Objects Task Force headed by Dr. Harry Atkinson. [151266] Ms Hewitt: The Government's response to this report was published on Saturday 24 February. The Government are broadly in agreement with the majority of the Task Force's recommendations. The Government endorse the view of the Task Force that since the possible dangers posed by Near Earth Objects are not limited to any one nation, an international approach is essential. At a European level, the European Space Agency is to work to devise a European Strategy on Near Earth Objects. The Government are investigating with the OECD their offer to set up an international forum for discussion of and action on the threat to earth from Near Earth Objects. The British National Space Centre will continue to act as lead unit within Government on Near Earth Object policy. Copies of the Government's response to the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Secondary information