To ask the President of the Board of Trade what policy he has towards the development of space planes; and what studies, research or demonstration projects he supported in 1992–93 and proposes to support in 1993–94.

The Government recognise the importance of securing access to space for satellite manufacturers at the most economical cost and the role which reusable launchers, such as spaceplanes, might play in reducing those costs. The Government believe that the case for the development of such vehicles would need to be judged in the context of the likely international competition for the supply of launch services, the evolution of the uses of space and the costs of development.The Government firmly believe that the development of such vehicles could only be afforded on an international collaborative basis and recognise the efforts made by United Kingdom companies to establish collaborative links with European and other industrial partners. The Government supported studies of winged launchers and spaceplanes through the European Space Agency—ESA—during 1992–93 and are supporting ESA studies of a rocket-assisted demonstration vehicle during 1993–94.