§ 7. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how the systems of blind approach at Prestwick compare with those at other British civil airfields.
§ Mr. LindgrenThe blind approach systems in operation at Prestwick Airport are as follow: (a) Standard beam approach on two runways; (b) blind approach beacon system on two runways; (c) ground controlled approach which is 312 operated by the Royal Air Force; (d) S.C.S.51, an American blind approach equipment on one runway. These installations constitute a comprehensive system which, equally with that being installed at London Airport, is consonant with the needs of an international airport. As such, it compares favourably with the standards obtaining elsewhere.
§ Colonel HutchisonIn view of the statement by the Minister in another place that London Airport was the most extensively equipped airport in the world, will the Parliamentary Secretary say why the three systems known as B.A.B.S., G.C.A. and S.C.S.51, which are installed at Prestwick, were not included in Instruction No 181 of 5th November to airmen? If they had been so included, would not that have shown that Prestwick, in fact, is the best equipped airport in the world?
§ Mr. LindgrenI can understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman's local patriotism, but my noble Friend's statement in another place was a correct one.
§ Sir R. RossAre not these arrangements for blind landing better than those at Rineanna, and if so, why did the Minister not use Prestwick instead of Rineanna for transatlantic aircraft?
§ Mr. LindgrenThat is an entirely diffrent question.
§ Mr. GallacherCan the Parliamentary Secretary say when a blind approach or any other approach will be made at Prestwick by a Scottish built airplane?
§ Mr. LindgrenThat is a matter for the distant future.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIs not a blind approach to all problems becoming the order of the day for His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. LindgrenAnd, no doubt, for the hon. and gallant Gentleman.