HC Deb 14 March 1988 vol 129 c845
6. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority on the safety regulations for flights over Edinburgh.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The regulation of air safety is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. The chairman keeps us informed on important issues.

Mr. Dalyell

Is there now to be more than one nightshift duty air traffic controller?

Mr. Bottomley

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has put that question to the authority, but I shall certainly ensure that he gets an answer.

Mr. Darling

Has the Minister discussed the movement of military aircraft over Turnhouse airport, in particular a practice that has been adopted of military aircraft flying very fast and very low over the main runway at Turnhouse when civilian aircraft are either on the runway or in the vicinity? Will he take that matter up with the chairman and and seek an assurance that civilian aircraft will not be put at risk?

Mr. Bottomley

It is clear that civilian aircraft should not be put at risk. I suspect that they are not put at risk, but I shall do as the hon. Gentleman asks.