asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement on the progress made in his Department on the development and installation of the Linesman Mediator system of air traffic control for defence purposes.

Linesman, which forms the air defence element of this system, consists essentially of improved radars and computer based control facilities. The new radars are operational; work is continuing on the computer system. As regards Mediator, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade.