§ 38. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation whether the building which accommodates the integrated system of joint control of aircraft in the London control zone is situated at Northolt Airport or at London Airport.
§ Mr. SandysAt London Airport.
§ Mr. RankinMay I revert to the Question which was asked last Monday? Does that mean that these two aircraft, which were under the approach control system at Watford, then pass under the radar control systems at London Airport and finally the R.A.F aircraft comes under the control system at Northolt Tower. Is the right hon. Gentleman telling us that all these systems are in the same building at London Airport?
§ Mr. SandysI think the hon. Gentleman has become a little confused. At the time in question, both aircraft were under civil control from the approach control room at London Airport.
§ Mr. ChetwyndHas the right hon. Gentleman been able to get the two controlling officers concerned at the same table yet?
§ Mr. SandysNo. They are in the same building. I should like to make a point about which the right hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) asked last time. I was not absolutely sure about it, and that is why I did not want to give an absolutely firm answer. The 23 R.A.F. takes over only as the aircraft approaches Northolt to land. The decisive authority for the allocation of priorities between R.A.F. and civil aircraft rests with the civil control.