§ 53. Mr. HigginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many days in the last 12 months for which figures are readily available the Civil Aviation Authority has been notified that the danger area south of the Isle of Wight is safe for use by civilian aircraft and civil aircraft operators were notified and actually used the airspace.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe area to which my right hon. Friend refers consists of a number of separate danger areas within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft take place at different times. Unauthorised entry into danger areas is prohibited. Commercial flights normally fly in the controlled air space of the airways that go round the danger areas in question, but do not cross them. This enables such traffic to connect safely with the continental airways system.
If my right hon. Friend requires more detailed information he would do best to approach the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority which is responsible for air traffic control.