HC Deb 02 July 1962 vol 662 cc26-7
30. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress has been made in the evaluation of a navigational aid to meet the requirements specified by Eurocontrol; and whether any representations have been made by the United States Government or by any United States aviation organisation that these requirements should be changed.

Mr. Woodhouse

Arrangements are now being made by the Eurocontrol Association to conduct tests of a navigational aid known as HARCO. No representations of the kind described have been put before the Eurocontrol Association.

Mr. Cronin

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that in 1959, partly as a result of the inactivity of the British Government, United States aviation organisations induced the international civil aviation organisation to standardise on a form of equipment which was quite inferior to the British equipment then available? Will he make sure that on this occasion a navigation system is adopted on the ground of technical merit and not from political pressure?

Mr. Woodhouse

I recollect the decision in 1959, though not the part in it ascribed by the hon. Gentleman to my Department. The decision in the case of Eurocontrol will be taken by the Eurocontrol Association, and it will certainly be taken on the ground of technical merits. We, as members of the Association, will have a substantial influence in the consideration of the type of navigational aid to be adopted, and we have a larger weighted vote than any other member.