asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, whenever alterations are made in the authorised extents of airways, he will ensure that such alterations do not become effective till maps showing such changes are available to the public.

Changes in the authorised extent of the airways are promulgated in advance by printed Notices to Airmen (Notams) with a sketch map. The aeronautical information on topographical maps is amended in new editions. As efficiency of operation and aircraft safety are concerned, essential alterations in the airways cannot be delayed until new flying maps are on sale.

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that, while flying with a false map may be very interesting, it is extremely dangerous? Can he ensure that the maps are really capable of being overprinted and are available to the public before they become effective?

My hon. Friend had better study my answer. We have every reason to believe that the process we use for NOTAMS, with a sketch map attached to the Notam, is completely effective.

Can the hon. Gentleman make certain that these Notams are in the possession of private fliers and glider pilots, who are exactly the people who ought not to be flying in extended airways?

We cannot be certain that every person who will take up an aircraft is in possession of the latest available NOTAM, but I believe that there are regulations which make it an offence in certain circumstances if the flier has not this sort of information.