HC Deb 24 October 1988 vol 139 cc112-3W
Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on centralising duties relating to air traffic control and control in European airspace in the hands of Eurocontrol.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

We wish to see a much enhanced role for Eurocontrol, particularly in the field of flow management.

We shall be seeking agreement at Eurocontrol's permanent commission next month to the creation of a central flow management unit, to be operated by Eurocontrol in co-operation with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Centralising all Europe's air traffic control functions in one organisation would be an unrealistic goal.

Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if near miss reports made by air traffic controllers from 1 April 1989 will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The procedure for dealing with incident reports by air traffic control officers is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. We will ask the chairman to write to my hon. Friend.