§ 42. Mr. John Grimstonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for how long he proposes to continue to operate the existing Standard Beam Approach installation at Bovingdon; what is the estimated cost of removing it; and what would be the additional annual maintenance charge for keeping it in service.
§ Mr. BeswickNo date has yet been determined for the withdrawal of Standard Beam Approach from Bovingdon. It will be available there for a period sufficient to enable operators to equip their aircraft with instrument landing system airborne receivers. Its removal would cost less than £20; the estimated annual cost of its maintenance is £800.
§ Mr. GrimstonIn view of the very high cost of installing the alternative system, will he consider trying to keep this old service, which is perfectly useful?
§ Mr. BeswickCertainly not. We have been pressed from all sides of the House, and it is an international requirement that this new system should be installed.