§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to what extent repairs and maintenance to equipment used by National Air Traffic Control Ltd. will be determined by (a) need and (b) cost; and if he will make a statement. [108528]
§ Mr. Mullin[holding answer 8 February 2000]: All equipment operated by NATS is subject to safety case analysis and approval by the Safety Regulation Group. Repairs and maintenance are, therefore, undertaken primarily on the basis of need. NATS does, however, have an obligation to ensure that it obtains the best price at all times for such services.