§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the prohibition by the United States Air Force of the use by light planes and gliders of the air space between Oxford and Banbury.
§ Mr. LeeThe United States Air Force has not prohibited the use of airspace between Oxford and Banbury, nor does it possess the authority to do so. The National Air Traffic Services, which is responsible for the safe and expeditious use of United Kingdom airspace, has, in close consultation with all interested airspace users, recommended the trial of a mandatory radio area around RAF Upper Heyford. Access to this airspace would be available to any private aircraft which first made radio contact with RAF Upper Hayford. Separate arrangements have been agreed for locally based aircraft not equipped with radio.
Representations on the trial have been received from a number of people and organisations all eminating from one source, the British Gliding Association.