Question to the Department for Transport:

Her Majesty's Government what steps need to be taken before they are able to lay secondary legislation before Parliament for the licensing of spaceports in the UK; and when they intend to lay that secondary legislation.

Regulators will be in a position to start accepting licence applications for spaceports and spaceflight activities once the Space Industry Bill has been enacted and the supporting secondary legislation and guidance are in place.

Our intention is to lay the main statutory instruments in summer 2019, subject to Government priorities and Parliamentary time. This allows time for the necessary detailed policy development, consultation and drafting of secondary legislation and guidance to support a robust and effective licensing regime. This will be done in close liaison with industry and other stakeholders.