HC Deb 08 March 1971 vol 813 cc11-2W
77. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the effectiveness of the Mediator in air traffic control systems.

84. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with the development of air traffic control services in the London terminal control area: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

As regards the working of the Mediator air traffic control system I would refer to the reply to the hon. Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Leslie Huckfield) on 1st March. The scope of Mediator includes the London Terminal Area. As with other parts of the air traffic control system, it will be kept under continuous review in relation to foreseeable problems and developments.—[Vol. 812, c. 316.]

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who will be held responsible for errors in the information handling system in Linesman/Mediator.

Mr. Noble

I am not aware that errors have been made in any of the Mediator information handling systems and I cannot answer on a hypothetical basis. Linesman is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for the installation of American computers in Linesman/ Mediator.

Mr. Noble

None at this time.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much of the Flight Plan Processing System of Linesman/Mediator originally planned for the opening ceremony by the Duke of Edinburgh is now operational; and what is the expected date for the remainder.

Mr. Noble

It is planned to introduce the first phase of the original Flight Plan Processing System early next year. The timing of the introduction of other facilities will depend on the experience gained and on further studies. No opening ceremony has yet been arranged.

85. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many aircraft can be operated safety under one officer, in the Mediator system of air traffic control; and for what length of time the system has been tested.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The number is dependent on the extent of the services which have to be provided to the aircraft under control and may vary from four to 16 or thereabouts. Arrangements and procedures for the introduction of the Mediator system have been extensively simulated and tested at the Air Traffic Control Evaluation Unit since 1965 and in phase with the development of the system.