§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress towards preparing airlines for millennium compliance by 1 January 2000. [96317]
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§ Mr. MullinUK airlines are well advanced in their preparations for millennium compliance. All necessary remedial work has been carried out, underpinned by robust contingency plans for the continued safe operation of services over the millennium period. The Civil Aviation Authority has completed assessments of both safety and business continuity systems and has stated that the UK industry is ready for the millennium.
As regards foreign airlines, work is continuing to gather comprehensive information. The emerging global view from the major international aviation organisations is that the aviation industry is on track for compliance. Foreign aircraft are granted a permit to operate in this country only if they comply with international safety standards, which, over the millennium, includes assurance that they carry no Y2k safety related risks.