CONFIDENTIAL
the Polytechnic library will have a fair chance of success. The bid for Z930,000 would be spread over the three year period 1973/74 to 1975/76 and this should make it easier for O.D.A. to plan ahead.
4.
We have looked at several airport projects. The instrument approach system (ILS) mentioned by Glaves-Smith is, I am afraid, not a starter. The installa- tion of this particular piece of equipment has to be very carefully phased with the cutting of the road tunnel under the runway after the runway extension has been finished. Time is of the essence and guaranteed delivery is essential. This we have been promised by Philips at about half the cost quoted by Plessey and our consulting engineers are insistent that the Philips bid is the only feasible one in the circumstances.
5.
I am also afraid that the long term airport study is not a very likely candidate. We have received bids from all the consultants approached and our view is that the American firm of Parsons have submitted far and away the best scheme of approach. You will appreciate that this is a most important study involving not only engineering and aviation aspects, but also an evaluation of the much wider economic and social factors bearing on the problem. We cannot afford to get it wrong and the advice I have received is that the two British firms approached do not appear to command the wide range of expertise and practical experience required.
6.
We have also looked at several other projects, but most appear to be non-starters, either because they are too expensive or because they are merely replacement items with little public impact. There is one project, however, which is a strong possibility, viz: a new Air Traffic Control Digital Radar Simulator. This is an item of equipment where British firms, such as Ferranti and Solartron, lead the world. Furthermore, it will assist very greatly in training local air traffic controllers to use the new more complicated secondary surveillance radar equipment we are obtaining for air traffic control.
7.
I hope that the information in the two enclosures is adequate for O.D.A's. purposes, but we should of course be glad to provide any further details which may be required.
دسي
(C. P. Haddon-Cave)
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.