asked the Secretary of State for Air the purpose of the red light, for which he is responsible, which is situated on top of The Wrekin.

The purpose is to warn aircraft at night and in periods of bad visibility of this isolated high ground.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the week before last the light remained permanently at red, and could not be distinguished from a bonfire or anything else? I cannot see what purpose it could have served.

I can assure my hon. Friend that the object of the light is to prevent accidents, and that there is no symbolic significance about it.

Can the Minister tell us whether there is any connection between this red light and the decision of the Coal Board to buy a new aircraft?

That is strictly a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.