HC Deb 10 May 1950 vol 475 cc374-5
44. Mr. Rankin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state the reasons for the delay in introducing a system of civil airways between Renfrew and Northolt in which positive air control will be exercised.

Mr. Beswick

There should, in fact, be no delay in getting this section of the system into operation.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is nearly a year since agreement was reached between the Departments concerned about this safety measure, and that we were promised its introduction by December? Does he not agree that there has been some hold up, and will he not speed up the application of the agreement?

Mr. Beswick

It is a fact that an agreement was reached, but after agreement was reached it was necessary to get the equipment and the land on which to install the equipment, and that has taken up the interim period. We never said that this system would be installed before 18 months from the date mentioned.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that in a letter from the Under-Secretary of State for Air I was promised definitely, as was my hon. Friend the Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes), that this system would be in operation by December, 1949?

Mr. Beswick

If my hon. Friend wants to ask a question about a letter from the Under-Secretary of State for Air he should put down a Question to the right Department.