§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further action he is taking to provide safeguards against near misses in the air; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleThere is a standing procedure by which all reported air misses are investigated and considered by an independent body. Consequent remedial action is taken as necessary. The resources and techniques of the national air traffic control service are being continually developed. In particular, the progressive introduction of improved secondary surveillance radar into the air traffic control system will enable displays to be labelled with callsigns and other relevant information, and will in due course also include continuous read-out of altitude from the aircraft altimeter. This will greatly assist the controller in the maintenance of safe separation between aircraft. The Department is also keeping closely in touch with research aimed at the development of airborne anti-collision equipment.