HL Deb 08 May 1969 vol 301 c1266

3.11 p.m.

LORD TREFGARNE

My Lords, I beg leave 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 what radar equipment is at present installed and available for use at Stansted Aerodrome.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, at present there is no radar equipment installed or available for use at Stansted Aerodrome. Hitherto the volume of air transport movements has not warranted the required expenditure.

LORD TREFGARNE

My Lords, I am obliged, as always, to the noble Lord for that Answer. Would he not agree, however, that this deficiency ought to be rectified at an early date, particularly now that the American supplemental carriers are being encouraged to use that airport? Can he give an undertaking that this matter will be looked into, and that proper equipment will be installed if it is found necessary?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, if it is found necessary, something will be done, but I do not agree that there has been any lack of consideration before. There has been some slight problem with a U.S.A. fighter squadron at Wethersfield. Some changes in procedure there will help in the future, and there is the possibility of some temporary radar equipment being installed, which will give us some experience of what goes on in that area. Talks to this end are now being held.