HC Deb 21 November 1996 vol 285 cc695-6W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the decision was taken by his Department to transfer air traffic control responsibilities from West Drayton to Swanwick. [5105]

Mr. Soames

The decision to move the military en route task from West Drayton to Swanwick to continue the integrated nature of en route air traffic control services was taken in 1991. When it became apparent that extra space would be available at Swanwick, the option of also moving the military area air navigation task to Swanwick was explored and a decision in principle was taken in October 1994. This decision was, and remains, subject to final confirmation of the costs.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the capacity of the West Drayton air traffic control centre to deal with increased military air traffic. [5107]

Mr. Soames

Based on the current prediction that military air traffic movements will remain broadly constant, the facilities currently available at West Drayton would be capable of supporting military area air navigation services without significant equipment replacement up to 2005.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans he has made, in the event of his Department deciding not to relocate the air traffic control system from West Drayton to Swanwick. [5109]

Mr. Soames

My Department continues to support the proposals to transfer both the military en route and the military area air navigation task from West Drayton to Swanwick. Were this to be judged impracticable or uneconomic, other options would be considered, but at this stage we remain optimistic that the proposals can be enacted.