Oral Answers to Questions

Steve Baker Excerpts

Tuesday 14th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. One of the reasons why the space and satellite sector has been so successful is the collaboration between the firms, the Government and the research institutions, which is the way forward. The Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman), will visit north Wales and the facilities that the hon. Member for Wrexham (Ian C. Lucas) mentions, and I look forward to hearing all about it.

[Mr Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con)]

18. As someone who has calculated inertia matrices and Hohmann transfers, I am pleased that the Government are focusing on this area. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the capacity of the UK’s commercial space flight sector? What steps will he take to support it?

[Greg Clark]

I am glad that my hon. Friend is not questioning me on inertia ratios and matrices. The capacity is there, but it requires planning ahead. That is why the industrial strategy mentions the need to invest in science and research and development—it is important that we do that—and the need to look forward to make sure that we have the skills in the workforce to fulfil the order books. The purpose of having a long-term industrial strategy is so that we are prepared to reap those very opportunities.