§ 24. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation if he will inquire into the Air Traffic Control System at Prestwick Airport with regard to the hours worked by officers, in order to satisfy himself that the hours of watch are in keeping with conditions that will ensure maximum safety for aircraft using the airport.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is already satisfied that the hours worked by the officers in question are appropriate.
§ Mr. RankinIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in any three-day duty period these officers work sixteen hours out of the last twenty-four? In view of the fact that this work is done mostly at night, because of the movements at Prestwick, 937 does the hon. Gentleman consider that system consistent with air safety regulations as they ought to be worked?
§ Mr. RipponThe average hours per week are 44 and the watch arrangements are those most acceptable not merely to the department but to the officers themselves.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the Question which I put is framed on the objections which are felt and have been made by a very large section of the officers who are engaged in this work?
§ Mr. RipponThere have been no representations against the present system. Some changes have been made after discussions with the officers concerned. Polls are fairly regularly taken and I really think that the hon. Member's allegations are not justified by the facts.