§ Sandra OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made in replacing the oceanic system at Atlantic House in Prestwick; and what is his estimate of its operational date. [17664]
§ Mr. JamiesonProcurement options are being investigated and, pending a decision on the way forward, it is not possible to predict the operational date of the new system. In the meantime the current system is subject to a sustained programme that will keep it fully operational and capable of meeting the forecast capacity demand at least until 2006. The existing system is currently enjoying its best performance since its introduction, with 100 per cent. availability in 2001.
§ Sandra OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is his estimate of the lifespan of the upgraded radar system being installed at Atlantic House, Prestwick. [17665]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe new radar data processing system at Prestwick is capable of displaying a maximum of 350 aircraft on a radar screen at any one time. The current maximum number being displayed is around 150. The system could he modified to display a greater number of targets if that were required. However, the project plan was based on the assumption that the system would not reach the capacity of 350 aircraft being displayed on a screen before 2012.