HC Deb 01 February 1968 vol 757 cc405-6W
Q14. Sir F. Maclean

asked the Prime Minister which Department is responsible for the beacon on Arran that was put out of action in the recent gale; and what steps arc being taken to repair it.

The Prime Minister

If, as I assume, the hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring to the mast at Kildonan, the answer to the first part of his Question is the Ministry of Technology, since it was built in connection with the experimental work of Boscombe Down. As to the second part, I am told that, while the mast is not in operational use, the lights which illuminate it have recently burnt out, not, so far as is known, as a result of the gale. Instructions have already been given for the lights to be renewed but it may not be practicable to do this for some little time owing to the remoteness of the site and the difficulty of carrying out repairs on a high mast in winter conditions.

I can, however, assure the House that my right hon. Friend is advised that, even unilluminated, the mast does not constitute a hazard to civil aviation.