Written question asked by James Purnell (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 2004. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 2004 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 Government support is available for research into manned space travel.

Answer: James Purnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government support is available for research into manned space travel. [170454] Ms Hewitt: In December 2003 the Government published its Space Strategy, which targets investment at those projects that offer the best commercial opportunities, scientific knowledge and environmental information, rather than national prestige. As we do not believe that human spaceflight programmes fall within these targets, we are focusing on the robotic exploration of the solar system. For example we are currently examining the scientific and industrial benefits of participation in the European Space Agency's Aurora programme.

Secondary information