Written question asked by John Home Robertson (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 February 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: For what reasons the Automatic Low Flying Flight Planning Enquiry and Notification System was not introduced in mid 1992; when he now expects the system to come into operation; and what penalties have been incurred by the contractors as a result of the delays.

Answer: Mr. Home Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the automatic low flying flight planning enquiry and notification system-- ALFENS--was not introduced in mid-1992; when he now expects the system to come into operation; and what penalties have been incurred by the contractors as a result of the delays. [16134] Mr. Soames: As explained in detail to the House of Commons Defence Committee (HC314, Session 1993-4, pages 15-17), the original time scale for the introduction of ALFENS in mid-1992 was based on the best information available to National Air Traffic Services, which let the contract and manage it on behalf of the MOD, at an early stage of the procurement process. This date was not achieved due chiefly to delays caused by changes to the scope and complexity of the project and a number of problems with the submission and evaluation of tenders. We hope to see ALFENS in use by this summer. The contractors have carried out additional work at their own expense to rectify faults in the system.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16134; 290 c638-9W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Contracts Defence Aviation Military aircraft Low flying Safety Automated low flying enquiry and notification system