Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 1 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 April 2003. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 April 2003 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, pursuant to her Answer of 11th February, 399 c660W, if she will make a statement on the value for money which has been secured from spending on civil space aid for the period from 1997 to 2003. - (Holding answer 8 April 2003).

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 11 February, Official Report, column 660W, if she will make a statement on the value for money which has been secured from spending on civil space aid for the period from 1997 to 2003. [107196] Ms Hewitt :[holding answer 8 April 2003]: A comprehensive review by Technopolis Group Ltd. examined the impact and achievements of public support for UK civil space activities and was published by my Department in 2001. It concluded that it has been appropriate for the UK to contribute to the development of a global space infrastructure and the sponsorship of pioneering services. It also recommended that the Partners in the British National Space Centre explore ways in which they might improve the evidence base from which they formulate policies and evaluate opportunities. As a result, in parallel with the preparation of the new draft UK Space Strategy, my Department has commissioned researchers from SQW and SPRU (University of Sussex) to assess the extent to which DTI funded business support programmes have generated economic benefits for the UK. The results of this study will be published.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 107196; 403 c263-4W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Cost effectiveness Expenditure Government assistance Spaceflight Space technology
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk