HC Deb 25 October 1971 vol 823 cc1215-6
18. Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware of the concern regarding the need for improved air traffic control arrangements at Heathrow; and what proposals he has for such improvements.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I am not aware of any specific cause for concern. Air traffic control at Heathrow has a high reputation internationally and it has handled satisfactorily a considerable volume of traffic this summer. The services and procedures are continually reviewed for further improvements.

Mr. Bishop

Is the Minister aware that the good safety record at Heathrow and elsewhere is due to the technical strain carried by those responsible? Is he also aware that increasing use of Heathrow, especially as a result of Government policy, will make this matter much more urgent? Will he get on with the job of implementing the Linesman Mediator and other technical devices which may help?

Mr. Grant

I agree that the success at London Airport is due to the skill of the staff. As for Mediator, this is a system concerned with the control of progress en route; it has a comparatively minor effect on aerodrome air traffic services. So far as the future is concerned, the services are constantly under review. There are a great number of planned improvements and projects for Heathrow which no doubt will please the hon. Gentleman. I will give the hon. Gentleman details if he wishes.

Mr. Tebbit

While my hon. Friend is looking into that matter, would he also consider the effect of hotel building around the airport on the status of the instrument landing systems, which are being degraded to the point where it is almost a waste of money for operators there to carry the expensive aircraft equipment to enable low minima landings or optimum landings to be carried out?

Mr. Grant

I have no specific evidence on that matter, but my hon. Friend has raised a serious point and I shall see that it is carefully looked into.

Mr. Molloy

Notwithstanding the excellence and efficiency of the staff in the control tower at Heathrow, is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the recent past there have been reports of very dangerous near misses, apparently because of the involvement with Northolt Airport, and that this could have had very serious effects on my constituents who live in Greenford and Northolt? Would he be prepared to issue a statement giving some assurance to the people who live in my constituency, all of whom have this problem very much in mind?

Mr. Grant

We certainly have this matter in mind. The problem of neat misses is not one which arises directly out of the Question. If the hon. Gentleman likes to nut down a Question, I can give him reassurance on that score. But we realise the importance of this matter and he need have no fear that his constituents are under any greater risk than they have been before.