§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will made a statement on the NATS investment programme and the safety of the UK air traffic management system. [9339]
§ Mr. SpellarNATS are reviewing their long-term investment plan to take account of the impact of the 11 September terrorist attacks on the aviation industry. They are due to report on the new Business Plan, which includes the long-term investment plan, in November 2001. Safety will remain paramount for NATS in producing the Business Plan and long-term investment plan.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will made a statement on the timetable for opening the new NATS en-route centre at Swanwick; and if the project is within budget; [9338]
(2) if NATS has enough qualified air traffic controllers for the transition from West Drayton to Swanwick. [9342]
§ Mr. SpellarYes.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Chief Executive of NATS about whether the Airline Group has sufficient financial resources to meet NATS' present and future investment requirements; and if he will make a statement. [9343]
§ Mr. SpellarMy officials are having regular discussions with the NATS Chief Executive about the financial resources available to NATS.