Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre

HC Deb 16 July 1996 vol 281 cc439-40W

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the preferred bidder procedure as set out in the Treasury's guidelines will be adopted for the new Scottish air traffic control centre; when he expects to announce the name of the preferred bidder; and if he will make a statement. [37342]

Mr. Norris

The invitation to participate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority for the Scottish air traffic control centre involves a procedure which is consistent with the Treasury's private finance initiative guidelines. National Air Traffic Services is concerned to ensure that the procedure will avoid unnecessary bidding costs and it will seek to declare a preferred bidder as soon as it is appropriate and prudent to do so. The validity of current offers for this requirement expire on 9 February 1997.