§ 18. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation why there is no controlled airspace at Stansted Airport; and when he proposes to offer some protection for arriving and departing flights.
§ Mr. J. AmeryAgreed procedures already exist to ensure that aircraft using Stansted do not conflict with those using the near-by United States Air Force base at Wethersfield. I am considering, with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air, whether the problem of overflyers calls in addition for the introduction of controlled airspace or other measures.
§ Mr. RankinWhen considering these matters, will the right hon. Gentleman recollect that there is no radar at Stansted at all and that the holding patterns for aircraft at Stansted are in what is called a free-for-all area, despite the fact that it is a very important airport dealing with trooping and the training of personnel for B.E.A. and B.O.A.C. and of the right hon. Gentleman's own Ministry of Aviation for licensing? Will he think of those things? In view of the fact that it is now going to be one of the important civil airports for London, will he consider that these safety precautions at the moment seem to reside wholly in the approach controller? Does he think that is sufficient?
§ Mr. AmeryI am sure that the hon. Gentleman, who takes a great interest in all this, will realise that this is a pretty complex question. While safety must be the paramount consideration, we do not want to introduce any procedures which are unnecessary. Therefore, I have to try to strike a balance. The hon. Gentleman will understand that I am not yet in a position to give him a definite answer.