§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Trade, following the mid-air collision over Zagreb in Yugoslavia involving a British Airways flight, what steps he will now take, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Authorities Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure standard air traffic control procedures over Europe, including military as well as civil air traffic and the use of the most efficient and modern control equipment, in order to bring about improved efficiency and safety.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe mid-air collision between the British Airways Trident and an Inex Adria DC9 on 10th September 1976, which took place in airspace for which Yugoslav Air Traffic Control is responsible, is the subject of a full investigation by the Yugoslav authorities, and it would be premature to speculate on the follow-up measures which that investigation may show to be necessary or desirable. The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for safety matters concerning United Kingdom registered civil aircraft and their operation including follow-up action on accidents, and the Chairman of the CAA has assured the Government that the authority will take all possible action with international bodies, airlines or other organisations to seek to secure any improvements which the inquiry may show to be necessary. In the meantime I have drawn the attention of the Chairman of the CAA to the hon. Member's enquiries.