HC Deb 29 October 1996 vol 284 cc107-9W
Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what compensation will be payable to the Civil Aviation Authority by the NERC contractors as a result of the delays to the project to build the new en route centre at Swanwick; and if he will make a statement; [171]

(2) what is his assessment of the level of risk associated with the remedial measures proposed by the contractors on the new en route centre at Swanwick; and what are his contingency plans should the project fail. [169]

Mr. Bill Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when and at what level of functionality the Civil Aviation Authority will determine what penalties are to be levied on the NERC contractor. [250]

Mr. Bowis

[holding answer 28 October 1996]: I refer the hon. Members to my hon. Friend's reply of 24 June 1996, Official Report, column 29, to the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody).

Mr. Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list hon. Members, senior officials and journalists who have visited the NERC in the last 18 months; and who invited them. [251]

Mr. Bowis

[holding answer 28 October 1996]: I have asked the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority to write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the costs of upgrading and keeping in service the London air traffic control centre, including its military cell, until the new en route centre at Swanwick becomes operational; and if these costs will be borne by the NERC contractors. [168]

Mr. Bowis

[holding answer 18 October 1996]: The NERC contractors are liable only for additional costs required to complete the Swanwick centre. The total cost to National Air Traffic Services of the delay in opening this centre will be in the order of £15 million; this includes the costs of upgrading the London air traffic control centre, but does not include the cost of the military cell as this is not due to move to NERC in the first phase.