HC Deb 12 May 1983 vol 42 cc407-8W
Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister for Trade when he expects to make an announcement about the appointment of a full-time chief executive to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mr. Sproat

My right hon. and noble Friend and I are discussing with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority a number of aspects of the authority's board, including the possibility of appointing a full-time chief executive, but we have not yet reached any firm conclusions.

Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement about the review of the Civil Aviation Authority's activities by the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. John Dent; when he expects to receive the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the civil activities of the National Air Traffic Service; and what further action he proposes following his consideration of these two reports.

Mr. Sproat

The chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority has written a number of letters to me on the subject of his own review of the authority. I have asked him to consider how his conclusions can be made known to interested parties and how we should consult them about the proposals.

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission was initially given until 30 June to complete its report. The Commission has just sought an extension of two months, which we are considering. When the report is made to my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State it will be presented to Parliament in the normal way, and the Civil Aviation Authority will be asked for its comments before my right hon. and noble Friend makes a statement on the recommendations, and on the necessary follow-up action. The recommendation of the MMC will be considered together with Mr. Dent's proposals, and with any further comments that interested parties may have on the way in which the CAA conducts its activities. Further action will depend on the conclusions reached after this consideration.

Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister for Trade when he expects to know the decision of the Civil Aviation Authority about the removal of the Civil Aviation Authority from London to Milton Keynes, or any other sites outside London, which have been considered; and what the cost-benefits are of each site outside London, respectively.

Mr. Sproat

I am glad to be able to tell my hon. Friend that I understand that the authority has decided in Principle to move its headquarters to a site outside central London, provided that certain practical operational problems, which it is now examining, can be overcome. Among the sites being considered are Milton Keynes, Farnborough and Uxbridge.

Initial estimates suggested a saving of several million pounds per year might be achieved by a move from central London to Milton Keynes or a similar location. The authority is currently involved in a detailed financial appraisal of the various sites and a decision will be announced in due course.