§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what improvement in aircraft movement delays at Heathrow has taken place since the recent inauguration of the Linesman/Mediator system of air traffic control; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleThe first stage of the Mediator project came into operation only on 1st February. It may be some time before it has any marked effect on the Heathrow movement rate.
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§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what increase in the effort and activity of the National Air Traffic Control Service staff has taken place since the introduction of the Linesman/Mediator at Heathrow Airport.
§ Mr. NobleNone. The Mediator system (now introduced into operation at the London Air Traffic Control Centre, West Drayton) is designed to relieve air traffic controllers progressively of routine tasks. This should enable them to concentrate their effort on maintaining the safety and expedition demanded by the steady increase of air traffic.