HC Deb 12 December 1984 vol 69 cc532-3W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last discussed with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority the authority's response to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the national air traffic services.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The Civil Aviation Authority has kept me and my officials in touch with the progress made in following up the commission's recommendations and the chairman and I discussed this when we met on 4 October. I expect to make a statement on this shortly.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the main objectives in the current corporate plan of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The primary objectives of the authority stem from its statutory duties and are:

  • —to promote high safety standards in civil aviation by information, consultation and judicious administration of safety regulations;
  • — to maintain and develop, in association with the Ministry of Defence, an efficient national air traffic system geared to the requirements of the users;
  • —in carrying out its air transport licensing functions, and in related activities, to impose the minimum of constraint consistent with the promotion of high safety standards, the interests of air travellers and the economic health of the industry.

In pursuing its primary objectives the authority will have regard to the importance of strict control of costs so as to contain, and where possible reduce, its charges to those it regulates and serves.

A fuller summary of the 1984 corporate plan may be found in appendix 2 of the CAA's annual report and accounts 1983–84, a copy of which is available in the Library.