HL Deb 28 May 2002 vol 635 cc140-1WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have concerning the failure of the air traffic control system on the morning of Friday 17 May; and what steps they are taking to ensure that this type of delay to air traffic does not happen again. [HL4455]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

This is an operational matter for National Air Traffic Services (NATS). I understand the position to be as follows.

The failure at the new Swanwick Centre occurred at 6.30 am on Friday 17 May and was identified and isolated to a particular workstation. Flow rates were immediately reduced to 50 per cent and in some cases departures stopped. The flow restrictions were progressively lifted, and 100 per cent capacity was restored at 11.30 am. NATS is carrying out an investigation into the cause of the problem.

Safety was not compromised in any way and there were no reports of any incidents.