HC Deb 30 July 1964 vol 699 cc411-2W
Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Aviation what action he is proposing to take on the views of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators on navigational aids and operation efficiency submitted to him six months ago and drawn to his attention three weeks ago, bearing in mind the importance of these matters from the point of view of air safety.

Mr. Marten

It has been the consistent policy of my Department to seek to promote improvement in navigational aids and other ground facilities overseas. This must be done mainly in collaboration with other Governments and through the medium of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, but my Department also contributes substantially in manpower and training to United Kingdom technical assistance to countries overseas whose authorities are primarily responsible for the facilities.

Our efforts along these lines were explained to the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators some months ago in response to the representations to which the hon. Member refers. The more recent and specific observations of the Guild contained in its letter of 11th June are being studied and when matters are sufficiently advanced I propose to invite the Guild to meet my officials for discussion.