§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to develop the safety management system operated by National Air Traffic Control Ltd; [108525]
(2) what plans he has to maintain safe levels in the volume of air traffic. [108527]
§ Mr. MullinMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Transport and I had two meetings with the Institute of Professional and Managerial Staff and the Public and Commercial Services Union in December at which we made clear that the Government have the highest regard for the Safety Management System operated by NATS. We have indicated that the system will remain in place, subject only to such changes and improvements as are agreed with the Safety Regulation Group (SRG) of the Civil Aviation Authority.
The new arrangements, proposed in the current Transport Bill, will lead to the separation of SRG as the regulator, from NATS as operator, as recommended by the Select Committee on the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Under these arrangements, SRG will continue to have robust oversight of all NATS operations. This oversight will include the approval of processes and procedures through the NATS Safety Management System to ensure that traffic flows are regulated and managed at safe levels, irrespective of increasing demand, and that staff are rostered in compliance with the Scheme for the Regulation of Air Traffic Controllers' Hours (SRATCOH), so as to deal safely with the resulting volume of traffic.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has had from representatives of the British Association of Air Line Pilots and the Institute of Professional and Managerial Staffs on proposed changes in the status and organisation of air traffic controllers; and if he will make a statement. [107552]
§ Mr. MullinSince September, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Transport and I have had four meetings with the Institute of Professional and Managerial Staffs and the Public and Commercial Services Union. The Deputy Prime Minister and the British Association of Air Line Pilots were present at one of these meetings. We propose to hold a further meeting with the unions shortly. Subjects discussed include the future of National Air Traffic Services Ltd. under the public-private partnership which the Government 105W proposes to establish, and the vital importance of maintaining in full existing safety standards in the air traffic control industry.