§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from organisations representing air traffic controllers within the last three months; and what was the nature of these representations.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerNone.
§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many air traffic controllers were employed on Civil Aviation Authority contracts in each of the years 1977 to 1987.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe total number of air traffic control officers employed by the CAA in the National Air Traffic Services was:
Number 31 March 1977 1,440 31 March 1978 1,420 31 March 1979 1,437 31 March 1980 1,493 31 March 1981 1,559 31 March 1982 1,559 31 March 1983 1,492 31 March 1984 1,446 31 March 1985 1,448 31 March 1986 1,394 31 December 1986 1,367
§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what contingency plans exist to provide cover in the event of industrial action by air traffic controllers.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis matter is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. The scope for mitigating the effects of industrial action would depend upon the scale of a dispute. The CAA's contingency plans must remain confidential.
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§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the procedure for reporting near miss air collisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe procedure for reporting near-miss air collisions is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. I have no reason to doubt its adequacy.