20. Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Aviation what support other countries of the Commonwealth have given him in favouring the Decca Navigator System, as against VOR-DMET.
§ Mr. RipponAustralia, Canada, Ghana, India, New Zealand and South Africa opposed the adoption of DMET as an international standard. I understand that Australia will be carrying out evaluation tests shortly with the Decca Navigation System. Other Commonwealth countries already have or have ordered Decca chains for marine purposes or survey work.
Dr. BennettWill my hon. Friend keep in touch with these Commonwealth countries in order that there may be a certain solidarity among countries which believe that this rather superior form of navigation should be made available?
§ Mr. RipponWe are in continuous touch with the Commonwealth countries about progress and development of the Decca system of air navigation.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWhen is the issue likely to be raised again, or is it now completed?
§ Mr. RipponThe question of DMET as an international standard has been dealt with. It is still open to us at any time to advocate the Decca system as an international standard. I cannot say at what date that will be done. As the House appreciates, we believe that the Decca system in areas of high density of traffic is cheaper and more efficient.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyDoes what my hon. Friend says mean that we have given up the fight with Washington? Is it not about time that the Government really exerted themselves in this matter, which is well known to be very tawdry treatment by a friendly nation? Will he look into it again?
§ Mr. RipponThe vote has been taken by an international organisation to which we all belong, but that does not mean that we have given up our advocacy of the Decca system, as I think recent answers to Questions in this House have shown.