§ 31. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps are being taken to ensure that the control zones are completely free from non-controlled aircraft, particularly at night and during 1340 periods of poor visibility, in view of the British European Airways Corporation's Dakota accident last summer, in the investigation of which reference was made to an unidentified aircraft being in the vicinity; if he will consider a prohibition being imposed on non-controlled aircraft entering control zones; and if he will consider issuing regulations accordingly, and ensuring that they are complied with.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Beswick)Regulations already exist in Schedule II (Rules of the Air) of the Air Navigation Order of 1949 under which aircraft are forbidden to enter control zones at night or in poor visibility without having first obtained a clearance from air traffic control. Enforcement of those rules will be greatly facilitated by the airways system and by the increasing use of radar.
§ Mr. CooperIs my hon. Friend satisfied that he can maintain the closest possible liaison with American flying units and the R.A.F. as well as control of charter flying companies and private pilots, and ensure that these safety reservations are complied with in all circumstances?