§ 11. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation what reply he has now sent to the British Air Line Pilots Association in regard to the resolution from the International Federation of Air Line Pilots dealing with air traffic control.
§ Mr. SandysI have informed them that this problem, in which I am taking close personal interest, has been referred to the new Air Traffic Control Board for its views.
§ 17. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Aviation to what extent it is his policy to join with other national aviation authorities, apart from the six European countries of the Common Market, in establishing a single unified air traffic control system for both civil and military aircraft flying at high altitudes over western Europe; whether it is his policy to have military control of this organisation; and to what extent he has discussed the problem with the Governments of 9 western European countries, such as Spain and Sweden, which are not members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Alliance.
§ Mr. SandysThe proposals now being studied envisage the extension of any joint air traffic control system which may be created to other neighbouring countries which may wish to be included. As I stated last week, the problem of bringing military aircraft within the scope of the proposed joint control is being examined by the countries concerned and also by N.A.T.O. The members of the Stockholm Group are being kept informed.
§ Mr. de FreitasThe Minister used the expression "being examined by the countries concerned". Does he mean that Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Ireland. for instance, are being consulted at this moment on this extremely difficult problem of control over civil and military flying?
§ Mr. SandysI cannot give the hon. Gentleman a categorical answer about Spain, but I am sure that the Spanish Government are well aware of the proposals.