§ Sir J. Edenasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the largest aircraft that can use Southampton, Eastleigh, Airport; what facilities exist for the extension of the runway; and if he will make a statement comparing the radar, instrument landing, approach and take-off facilities and the potential for development between Southampton and Hurn airports.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe largest aircraft able to use Southampton at a commercial weight is the Vickers Vanguard, but larger aircraft could use this aerodrome with a reduction in all up weight. The runway at Southampton is capable of extension in both a northerly and a southerly direction. Bournemouth (Hurn) has an instrument landing system 153W (I.L.S.) and a precision approach radar (P.A.R.) which is used mainly by the School of Air Traffic Control. A surveillance radar is available for the Bourne-mouth Control Zone and its coverage extends to both Hurn and Southampton. Southampton has a Plessey 424 approach radar. Both Hurn and Southampton have airfield lighting for approach purposes which meet the Board's licensing standards. Both Hurn and Southampton are capable of development.
§ Sir J. Edenasked the President of the Board of Trade what equipment has recently been supplied to Southampton Airport; and under which Vote these items will be charged.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuNone by my Department. In common with other private and municipal aerodromes Southampton Airport has received cash grants of 50 per cent. of the cost of certain items of safety and navigational equipment within specified limits. These items are:
- VHF Radio Telephony Transmitters/Receivers.
- Speech Recorders.
- Modifications to the existing VHF
- Direction Finding Equipment.
- Decca 424 Radar.
- Visual Approach Slope Indicators.
- Small items of Meteorological equipment.
- Fire appliances.
The total grant either paid or promised is £18,779, charged to the Civil Estimates Class IV Vote 11 in 1966–67—Vote 10 in 1967–68 (Civil Aerodromes and Air Navigational Services).