§ 2. Mr. James Clappison (Hertsmere)If he will make a statement on the timetable for the partial privatisation of National Air Traffic Services. [107306]
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. John Prescott)Powers to create the public-private partnership for NATS are being sought in the Transport Bill. We intend to secure the benefits of the public-private partnership soon after those powers have been granted. This could be as early as 2001.
§ Mr. ClappisonCan the Secretary of State assure the House that the Government's proposed golden share in the public-private partnership for NATS is legal under European law?
§ Mr. PrescottYes.
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)If we were to go ahead without the acquiescence of the airline pilots, the British Air Line Pilots Association and the Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists, which represents the air traffic controllers, and unfortunately there was a 102 smash-up—let alone a mid-air collision—before any public inquiry could possibly report, who does the Deputy Prime Minister think would get the blame?
§ Mr. PrescottThose who were guilty, and I do not necessarily accept my hon. Friend's assumptions.
§ Mr. Bernard Jenkin (North Essex)Can the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that, contrary to the assurances that he has given to his Back Benchers, the so-called public-private partnership envisages that NATS may be split up at some future point? Will he confirm that several different companies may provide air traffic services and that there will be several strategic partners? Will he confirm that the Government's shareholding could be reduced to 25 per cent, a point that has just been included in the Transport Bill? Will he confirm that the Government envisage circumstances in which NATS could be floated?
The Deputy Prime Minister ducked the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison), so will he now confirm that he has received an opinion from the European Commission that suggests that the golden share in BAA is illegal? That implies that the golden share in NATS will also be illegal. Does he deny the existence of that opinion, and will he come clean on his negotiations with the Commission on this crucial matter? Will he confirm that the opinion suggests that the concepts of national security and national interest are not recognised by the European Commission?
§ Mr. PrescottI am surprised that the hon. Gentleman continues to misunderstand the situation, just as he does in the Standing Committee on the Transport Bill. The BAA case is not the same as that of NATS, and that is why I was so easily able to tell the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) that there was no conflict. The PPP, involving a strategic relationship with a private partner, is the best way to go. We have explained to the Standing Committee—and will continue to explain on Report—that it will mean long-term investment, that safety will be properly maintained and that the advances and growth that we require from NATS will occur.