HC Deb 12 June 1991 vol 192 cc566-7W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about his decision to replace the Decca navigator system with Loran C.

Mr. McLoughlin

Since my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Transport announced in April of last year his decision in principle, and subject to certain conditions, to replace the Decca navigator system with Loran C as the standard marine radionavigation system to be provided in United Kingdom waters into the next century, a number of representations have been received.

The fishing industry, the Master Mariners Association and others have argued against the adoption of Loran C chiefly because of the extra expense and inconvenience to which the proposed change would put the users of radionavigational systems at a time when increased reliance is likely to be placed on satellite systems. The electronics engineering industry have expressed concern because of their view that a high percentage of Loran C equipment would be imported from Japan and from the United States of America and that the market for Decca receivers in Europe would be lost.

The general lighthouse authorities have expressed their support for Loran C because they consider it to be a more effective system and have the potential to provide near global coverage. The Royal Yachting Association has expressed its support for Loran C as a single system which would be available throughout Europe and in many other parts of the world. The General Council of British Shipping and the Lights Advisory Committee regard Loran C as having a higher technical performance but support whichever system would be the cheaper for payers of light dues.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library full information relating to the Loran C proposal.

Mr. McLoughlin

The proposals for a north-West European Loran C system were set out in the Department of Transport's consultative document of June 1989, entitled "The future of marine radionavigation in United Kingdom waters", a copy of which was placed in the Library at that time. Subsequent changes to the proposed station configurations and technical parameters have been relatively minor. The costs which would fall to be met by the United Kingdom are now estimated to be £8.5 million for investment and £0.6 million a year running costs, both at 1990–91 prices.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library all information relating to the submission from Racal Decca to continue to operate Decca, including the cost and the proposals to refurbish and upgrade existing equipment.

Mr. McLoughlin

The proposals which Racal Marine put forward in 1988 for the automation and continued operation of the Decca navigator chains in the United Kingdom have been superceded by further proposals put to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 30 April this year. Negotiations are continuing and it would not be appropriate at this stage to place details in the Library.