Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on passengers of the flight disruption at London and other UK airports on 8 and 9 September.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Government apologises to passengers across the United Kingdom who faced significant disruption as a result of the issues that impacted NATS’ operation on 8 September, resulting in delays and cancellations for a large number of passengers, as well as the disruption that it has caused for industry. Let us be clear that disruption of this kind is absolutely unacceptable.

The Civil Aviation Authority has reminded airlines of their responsibilities to passengers including providing refunds or re-routing for cancelled flights. The Department for Transport officials worked closely with NATS, airports and airlines throughout the incident and recovery period to monitor impacts on passengers and provide support where necessary.

The Secretary of State asked NATS to provide a report by Wednesday 16 September setting out the cause of the incident and the actions taken in response. She has also asked the CAA to conduct an independent review into this matter immediately to ensure appropriate steps are taken to minimise the risk of similar disruption occurring for passengers in the future.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the long-term resilience of the flight data processing systems in NATS Holdings.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Safety must always be the primary consideration for NATS when making operational decisions about the air traffic services it provides within UK airspace. NATS is responsible for ensuring that its systems are safe and resilient, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as the independent regulator, providing regulatory oversight of NATS and the services it provides.

Following the technical incident on 8 September, NATS agreed to undertake a rapid review, reporting by 16 September. This will establish the cause of the incident, examine the actions taken by NATS in response and identify any immediate lessons or actions required.

The Transport Secretary has also asked the CAA to undertake a separate independent review of the incident, which will report within six months. This will provide independent scrutiny of the incident and its wider implications, including any lessons for the longer-term resilience of NATS’ systems.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to provide further funding to the Northern Ireland Executive beyond existing budget allocations; and if so, what conditions, reforms or performance measures would be attached.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Captain of the King's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard (HM Household) (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Lords)

Following a request for support, the UK Government has made a significant funding offer which takes into account Northern Ireland’s unique needs in return for measures which will promote and facilitate long term financial sustainability.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to engage extensively with the Executive parties to encourage the setting of a sustainable budget which will support public services and deliver certainty for the people of Northern Ireland.

Discussions are ongoing and the Secretary of State will not be providing a running commentary on the detail of these discussions.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what funding or resources have been allocated to NHS trusts in England in the current financial year to support the procurement of aquablation equipment and the training of surgical staff to deliver the procedure.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Aquablation is one of a number of treatments available for 'bladder outlet obstruction', and it is for the medical professional in each case to decide whether that is an appropriate option to offer. There is no national work that mandates aquablation or assesses current levels of provision.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many NHS hospitals in England currently offer aquablation therapy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Aquablation is one of a number of treatments available for 'bladder outlet obstruction', and it is for the medical professional in each case to decide whether that is an appropriate option to offer. There is no national work that mandates aquablation or assesses current levels of provision.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of expanding aquablation therapy within the NHS in England.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Aquablation is one of a number of treatments available for 'bladder outlet obstruction', and it is for the medical professional in each case to decide whether that is an appropriate option to offer. There is no national work that mandates aquablation or assesses current levels of provision.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of compensation and assistance available to passengers affected by recent disruptions to flights operating from London airports.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Passengers facing disruption are protected under UK law, and the government expects airlines to look after them. For cancellations, passengers are entitled to a choice between a refund or to be re-routed. Those waiting at the airport are entitled to care and assistance, such as food, and where necessary overnight accommodation. The Civil Aviation Authority monitors and enforces airline compliance with these obligations and can take enforcement action where they are not.

More widely, our Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill, which is currently in the Commons, will strengthen the rights of passengers across the sector.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the economic cost of the recent flight disruptions affecting London airports to tourism, business travel and freight movements.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

I am under no illusion that the economic cost of the recent incident is significant. Therefore, we need to learn the lessons from what has happened to ensure that we can minimise the chance of disruption of this kind happening again.

The Secretary of State asked NATS to provide a report by 16 September setting out the cause of the incident and the actions taken in response, which has now been received. The Government has also asked the CAA to conduct an independent review and will provide an update within 6 months. This will provide an important opportunity to review existing arrangements, ensure lessons are learned, and identify any further measures required to enhance resilience.