To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the Government’s policy is on (a) participation in and (b) funding of a future European space flight mission. (194520)

The new UK Civil Space Strategy 2008-12 and beyond, published on 14 February 2008, stated that the European Space Agency (ESA) is a vital delivery partner. More than 60 per cent. of the UK Government’s civil space expenditure is invested in ESA activities. The Government through the British National Space Centre considers participation and funding of each proposed European space flight mission on its merits.