§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was his Department's initial estimate of the costs of moving military air traffic control from West Drayton to the new national en-route centre at Swanwich; and what is the current estimate of the costs. [2589]
§ Mr. SoamesA detailed estimate was one of the stipulated products of a project definition study carried out by Lockheed Martin. The estimate that has resulted is dependent on a number of other factors currently being studied, and is commercially sensitive.
§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to announce the future location of military air traffic control. [2588]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Ministry of Defence places great importance on the joint and integrated nature of air navigation service provision by National Air Traffic Services Ltd. and the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence endorsed the National Air Traffic Services Ltd. two-centre strategy and is participating fully in the review of that strategy which aims to identify the most efficient and cost effective means of providing air navigation services. An announcement will be made once that review has been concluded.