National Air Traffic Services

HC Deb 27 October 1998 vol 318 cc90-1W

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Government's Economic and Fiscal Strategy report (Cm 3978, p.37), if it remains Government policy to sell part of National Air Traffic Services during the financial year 1999–2000; and what sale proceeds are forecast. [56689]

Ms Hewitt

It is still the Government's intention to introduce a public private partnership for NATS based on a 51 per cent. sale of shares. A consultation paper has been published. The timing of the sale will depend on the legislative timetable. It would not be appropriate to give estimates of proceeds, which are commercially sensitive, before the sale takes place.