§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received in opposition to the proposed privatisation of national air traffic services. [16712]
(2) what discussions he has had with the chief executives of airport authorities and air traffic control officers concerning the proposed privatisation of national air traffic services; and if he will make a statement. [16713]
§ Mr. NorrisThe then Secretary of State for Transport conducted a public consultation into the proposed privatisation of the national air traffic services between May and July 1994. Comments on the proposal were received, inter alia, from airport authorities and from individual air traffic controllers and their representatives, including the Civil Aviation Authority trade unions. The then Secretary of State for Transport also held a meeting786W with the Civil Aviation Authority trade unions to discuss the proposal.
Of those who responded to the consultation, privatisation in principle was supported by the airlines, airport operators, ATC providers, and aviation consultants. A majority of individual respondents and their representatives argued that NATS should remain in the public sector. The Secretary of State published a response to the consultation on 22 November 1994; copies were placed in the Library of the House.
The Government continue to favour the proposed privatisation in principle, but wish the concerns raised in the consultation to be properly considered before proceeding further. This process is still under way, and the Secretary of State will announce his intentions in due course.