§ 37. Mr. Bostonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the aircraft which crashed at Harty Ferry, Kent, on Friday, 16th February, 1968, was tracked by his Department's radar establishments.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo, Sir. The tracking of aircraft coming from this direction is given a relatively low priority. Warning against a possible threat across Continental N.A.T.O. territory is, of course, provided by the integrated N.A.T.O. Early Warning Radar System.
§ Mr. BostonDoes my hon. Friend recall that there was considerable concern and interest in this incident, partly because of the very wild and unsubstantiated statements about smuggling activities? Can he say who is responsible for matters involving illegal intrusion by civil aircraft, whether there is any contact between his Department and any other Department, and, finally, whether he thinks that any other safeguards are needed?
§ Mr. ReesWhile the Minister of Defence retains responsibility for the air defence of the United Kingdom, responsibility for all aircraft not engaged on defence tasks is vested in the Board of Trade. In practice, the two systems work 411 very closely together. I think that the last part of the question would have to be addressed to my right hon. Friend at the Board of Trade.