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Decca (Navigational Aids)

Volume 807: debated on Monday 30 November 1970

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8.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has taken to assess the implications of the decision by the Decca Company to reduce its activity in the area of navigational aids for ships and aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

I am not aware of any intention of the company to reduce its activity in the field of marine navigational aids. On the aviation side, some of the company's pioneering work has failed to obtain international recognition, and in these circumstances I regard the company's decision to concentrate effort and investment on those airborne aids which are already finding markets abroad as one to be welcomed.

Will my right hon. Friend investigate the possibility that if the airborne aids have not so far acquired international recognition, this may in part be due to the lack of support given to them in this country?

I do not think my hon. Friend is being entirely fair, because in almost every case we have helped either through B.E.A. or through B.O.A.C., or by any other method, to try to get greater international recognition for the work Decca has been doing.