§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to proceed with the privatisation of the national air traffic services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyFollowing consultation earlier this year, the Government continue to favour privatisation of the National Air Traffic Services. Privatisation would provide a number of significant benefits to both National Air Traffic Service and its customers. It would offer the opportunity for improved standards of service and increased efficiency; it would expose National Air Traffic Service to commercial incentives and the prospect of increased competition—especially in the airports sector; it would free National Air Traffic Service's investment and management decisions from the constraints of Government ownership; and it would facilitate greater transparency in charges and the separation of regulation from service provision.
A number of concerns were expressed by those who responded to the recent public consultation, and I wish these concerns to be properly considered before I put proposals before Parliament. I am today publishing a report on the outcome of the consultation, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.