HC Deb 15 October 2001 vol 372 cc884-5W
Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on European and British air traffic cover of the postponement of the construction of the Prestwick air traffic control centre; [7423]

  1. (2) what representations he has received from National Air Traffic Control about the postponement of the construction of the Prestwick air traffic control centre. [7421]
  2. (3) what are the implications for air safety of the postponement of the construction of Prestwick air traffic control centre; [7424]
    3. 885W
  3. (4) what meetings she (a) has had and (b) has planned to discuss the postponement of the construction of the Prestwick air traffic control centre; [7418]
  4. (5) if he will make a statement on progress with plans to construct an air traffic control centre at Prestwick. [7417]

John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is his estimate of the opening date of the new Prestwick air traffic control centre. [7841]

Sandra Osborne

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent changes there have been to the timetable for the planned operational date of the new Scottish air traffic control centre; and what ministerial approval is required for such changes. [7943]

Mr. Jamieson

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) remains committed to investing in the New Scottish Centre (NSC) at Prestwick as part of its two-centre strategy. However, the events of 11 September have led to a review of the phasing of NATS' capital investment plan, and my officials have been in close and continuing discussion with NATS and the Airline Group on these matters.

As a result of this review, and in the light of reduced traffic demand, the Government have agreed to a proposal to delay work on the NSC, which will result in a later operational date than originally planned. Work on the building will be suspended, following completion of the building design and piling contracts at the end of 2001. However, work will continue on evaluating systems solutions for this new centre. NATS will keep the position under review, and launch further work as soon as traffic forecasts make it prudent to do so.

The delay will not affect the service NATS provides to its customers or the high levels of safety it applies to operations.

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