§ Mr. OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 June 1998,Official Report, column 637, relating to the future of NATS, if he will make a statement on the powers attaching to the golden share. [46474]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe precise details of the golden share are for consideration as the proposal is developed, but it will provide additional rights to the Government to maintain the public interest while allowing the private sector freedom to run the business.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the future of the Scottish and Oceanic Air Traffic Control Centre at Prestwick. [45592]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonContract negotiations for a new air traffic control centre at Prestwick to replace the existing Scottish and Oceanic Air Traffic Control Centre are underway between National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and Sky Solutions, the preferred bidder. NATS will consult with the airlines before seeking CAA Board and Government approval to a contractual commitment. NATS currently envisage that operations will transfer from the existing Prestwick centre to a new one (the New Scottish Centre) during the winter of 2004/2005.