HC Deb 02 March 1949 vol 462 cc341-2
22. Mr. Rankin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to what extent he makes known the movements of civil aircraft on scheduled flights to other interested Ministries and private flyers.

Mr. Lindgren

Movements of civil aircraft on scheduled flights are notified to the appropriate Joint Air Traffic Control Centre. Full information about these movements is available to private flyers or pilots of private or other aircraft at either the Joint Air Traffic Control Centre or from the briefing unit at an aerodrome.

Mr. Rankins

Is my hon. Friend aware that his right hon. and learned Friend has just said that this interchange of information is not immediate, and that even a lapse of time of 15 minutes or less creates a dangerous position for both types of aircraft?

Mr. Lindgren

The OFFICIAL REPORT will determine whether my right hon. and learned Friend said that. Without that Report I would decline to accept that he did say that. I understood the answer to be that without definite information, he was not prepared to answer.

Mr. Rankin

Will my hon. Friend take steps to ensure that the exchange of information with regard to civil and military aircraft from day to day is immediate?

Mr. Lindgren

That is not within my power. These are joint civil and military air traffic control centres, and one assumes that air force discipline is such that a commander at one station supplies his centre with the information immediately.

Mr. Maclay

It really is not good enough in a matter of this kind to assume that everything is all right; can we be assured that the two Ministries concerned are in active contact to make certain that these precautions are being taken?

Mr. Lindgren

Most certainly, Sir.