HC Deb 04 March 1997 vol 291 c545W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to develop satellite communication-based positive air traffic control arrangements for offshore industry helicopter operations in the North sea beyond radar coverage. [16827]

Mr. Bowis

The Civil Aviation Authority's National Air Traffic Services Ltd. already provides air traffic services to helicopters over the North sea using satellite communications. Radar coverage in the UK sector of the North sea is adequate and currently there are no plans to develop satellite-based surveillance systems in this area.