HL Deb 19 July 1977 vol 386 cc291-2WA
Lord BRAYE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why it may take about two and half years to install Surface Movement Indicators (Ground Radar) at an airport, when inquiry shows they could be installed more rapidly, and that they could be manned by the existing Radar Control Personnel on foggy days.

Lord ORAM

The time of two and a half years for the installation of Aerodrome Surface Movement Indicators (ASMI) at Gatwick, given in an Answer on 4th May, was based on an estimate of the total time which would elapse between a decision to proceed and the date the equipment would be commissioned for operational service. In this the letting of the contract would take six months, the construction and delivery of the equipment by the manufacturer would take about 18 months and a further six months would be required for installation and bringing the facility up to operational readiness.

The ASMI facility is an aid to air traffic control and the equipment would be used by the controllers responsible for aerodrome and ground movements; specialist radar operating staff would not therefore be necessary.