Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Monday, 8 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 February 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Monday, 15 February 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what contigency plans he has for dealing with the effects of premature re-entry of the space probe Cassini.

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans he has for dealing with the effects of premature re-entry of the space probe Cassini. [70455] Mr. George Howarth: The Home Office is the lead government department for satellite incidents. Arrangements are in place to track satellites and advise local authorities and emergency services of any possible impact in the United Kingdom so that local response arrangements can be activated. Current advice is that the space probe Cassini is unlikely to collide with Earth and is still less likely to hit this country. My officials will, however, continue to monitor the situation.

Secondary information