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BAA electronic circular No. 00125 http://www.britastro.org/
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The BAA Campaign for Dark Skies urges concerned individuals to respond to the
CPRE's call to write to Tony Blair. The website is:
http://www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/light-pollution/light-pollution-mp-letter.htm
We think this is important, as the government still has to respond to the
Select Committee's very positive report, but when Tom Harris MP of the Select
Committee asked a question in the house about light pollution on Oct 22 2003,
it was treated less than seriously by many present.
Bob Mizon,
Coordinator, British Astronomical Association Campaign for Dark Skies
http://www.dark-skies.org
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BAA electronic circulars service. E-mail: circadmin@britastro.org
Circular transmitted on Mon Nov 24 22:38:45 GMT 2003
(c) 2003 British Astronomical Association http://www.britastro.org/
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Here's the exchange from Hansard (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/cm031022/debtext/31022-03.htm#31022-03_spnew25)
Mr. Tom Harris (Glasgow, Cathcart): When was the last time that the Prime Minister had a clear view of the milky way galaxy? He will know from his close reading of the most recent report from the Science and Technology Committee that the growth of light pollution means that our own galaxy is now viewable from only 30 per cent. of the United Kingdom. Does he share my concern that such inter-stellar vandalism means that generations of children are growing up without ever having an opportunity to see for themselves the beauty of the night sky? Will he now instruct his Ministers to present a positive and constructive response to the report?
The Prime Minister: I am a little bit outside my area of expertise on that point, but fortunately I have a full brief. It says:
"Possible question: light pollution. Welcome the Science and Technology Select Committee report. The Government will respond soon."
That's what we'll do.
Here's the address to write to, in case you couldn't guess...
The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair MP
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA