26/11/2000 10:27 - (SA) Warning over air control cuts

London - Air traffic officials believe millions of jet passengers could be placed in danger because of financial cuts demanded as part of the privatisation of Britain's air traffic control service, The Observer reported on Sunday.

A briefing document drawn up by National Air Traffic Services says that plans to cut up to 165 million pounds from its budget over five years will put safety at risk and mean that 1.8 million flights a year over Britain could descend into "chaos", the newspaper reported.

The government wants to privatise 51 percent of NATS, a move that has caused controversy in Britain. Ministers say the plan will bring much-needed investment.

But critics have drawn comparisons with the British rail industry, which has been beset by accidents after the network was sold off into private hands.

On Monday, opposition Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, Britain's upper chamber of parliament, are planning to challenge the proposed law containing the part-privatisation plans.

A defeat would humiliate the government, which would have to force through the legislation using its majority in the House of Commons or abandon the changes until next year. – Sapa-AFP

http://news.24.com/News24/World/Europe/0,1113,2-10-19_945897,00.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), November 26, 2000