§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to enforce the installation of the traffic alerts and collision avoidance systems in all British-based commercial airliners and all similar aircraft using United Kingdom airspace; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe traffic alert and collision avoidance system is a complex safety device, which is currently being evaluated for use in United Kingdom airspace by National Air Traffic Services, part of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for air traffic safety. This evaluation is being undertaken as part of a Europe-wide evaluation programme, which is ultimately under the aegis of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
As this is primarily an air traffic management issue, I have passed the hon. Member's question to the chairman of the CAA and asked him to send a comprehensive response to the hon. Member.