HC Deb 16 March 1959 vol 602 cc12-3
18. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent his Department is conducting research into the dispersal of fog, other than for specific Royal Air Force purposes.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. W. J. Taylor)

In our view, F.I.D.O. is the most promising method of fog dispersal. The research being done on this system is not confined to meeting Royal Air Force requirements: we are also working in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The results of the tests being carried out will be examined to see whether the system would be suitable for civil as well as military aerodromes.

Mr. Mason

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether these experiments are proving successful and to what extent his Department is also co-operating with the Meteorological Office, which is conducting surveys on dispersal in various areas of the country?

Mr. Taylor

The Meteorological Office is carrying out experiments, but they are not considered to have much prospect of success. In answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I anticipate that the tests will take place in five or six weeks' time, and perhaps we shall be able to evaluate them and make a further report in the autumn.

Mr. Rankin

During last winter the Air Corporations lost over £200,000 due to fog. Will the hon. Gentleman say when we may expect that this method of dispersing fog will be in operation, as we have now been experimenting far nearly ten years?

Mr. Taylor

This is a difficult scientific matter. The wartime system suffered from a number of drawbacks which made it unsuitable especially at civil aerodromes. It was also too expensive to operate.

Mr. Rankin

How much are the Air Corporations losing now?

Mr. Taylor

It is estimated that the system as at present developed will cost between £150 and £250 per landing. We are trying to improve it. The work done by the Ministry of Supply has been directed to overcoming these defects. The results of the work are expected shortly.