European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2009

I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Brett, on his instant transformation from dealing with northern Britain to the southern hemisphere. We have no objection in principle to this order, but perhaps I may ask him—to be honest, as much for my information as for anything else—who are the members of the European Organisation for Astronomical Research, what is its budget, what currency is the budget fixed in and for how long, what proportion of it does Britain pay, and can he briefly explain the benefits of Britain’s membership?