Air Traffic Control

HC Deb 25 October 1996 vol 284 c11W

Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to proceed with the privatisation of National Air Traffic Services. [954]

Sir George Young

Air traffic control services provide a vital cover for the growing air transportation industry. Their standards are, and must be, of the highest. The national air traffic services face continuing demands for additional investment in the latest and most sophisticated equipment. The Government believe that these demands can most effectively be met in the private sector, freed from the constraints of public expenditure controls.

The Government therefore intends to bring forward legislation to privatise NATS early in a new Parliament. To this end, we will be developing proposals, taking account of work done previously, in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority and other interested parties, with a view to publishing a draft bill as soon as possible in 1997.