§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to issue a letter of consultation about the available options for the United Kingdom Decca chain and Loran C; if he will list the parties who will be consulted; if he will list the Decca Radio and power supply equipment transmitter sites which need replacing in the next five years; and who will be representing the United Kingdom at the relevant discussions in Dublin in February.
§ Mr. PortilloMy right hon. Friend intends to issue a consultation document in the spring on the options for marine radio navigation systems in United Kingdom waters. He intends to consult bodies with marine and related interests, including those representing users and the general lighthouse authorities. The question of equipment renewals for the existing Decca Navigator system is a matter for Racal Decca Marine Navigation Limited under the company's current contract with the general lighthouse authorities, which runs to 1994. At the Dublin meeting of the international Loran C policy group, which is considering the feasibility of establishing a North West European Loran C system, the United Kingdom will be represented by officials from the Department and the general lighthouse authorities.