§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that Atlantic liners, although equipped with receivers, are unable to use the Decca Navigator system, owing to the ban by the American Coast Guard Service on the use of the chain, and what action they are taking in the matter.]
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, I take it that the noble Lord's Question refers to the Decca Navigator Chain in the New York area. This is the only Decca Navigator Chain, of which there are many throughout the world, which is subject to such a limitation.
The New York Chain was, I understand, installed at the instance of the United States Airways Modernisation Board, in order that the value of hyperbolic systems as an aid to helicopter operations in that area might be assessed. The chain was sited to meet that particular purpose, and its use is still on a purely experimental and temprary basis. Under the terms of the licence governing its operation, the system may not be advertised as available for use by shipping without the prior approval of the United States Coast Guard. That approval has not yet been forthcoming.
As the noble Lord is aware, Her Majesty's Government hold the highest opinion of the importance of the Decca Navigator system as an aid to both air and marine navigation, and will continue to take every opportunity of proving the merits of the system and of advocating its adoption.
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I was referring to the New York Chain, which I believe is the only one under Federal jurisdiction. With regard to the noble Earl's further Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that, in addition to the liners of major European countries, the s.s. "United States" and the s.s. "America" are both fitted with this device and that they can use it everywhere in the world except in their home waters. Will not Her Majesty's Government, therefore, press the United States Government to 968 remove this restriction which appears somewhat absurd and, perhaps, unfriendly?
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, I have no doubt the noble Lord will remember the replies given to his Question yesterday. Her Majesty's Government are at present engaged in fairly difficult negotiations on this whole subject of Decca, and I am sure the noble Lord will not press me too far to give an answer at the moment.